Lseter,
Lockheed P-38J-15LO #43-28431 “Happy Jack’s Go Buggy” had an olive drab anti-glare panel (that comes directly from his autobiography.) The recreation of Jack’s plane done by the Flighter Collection back in the 90’s did feature invasion stripes underneath the wings, but I don’t have any photos in my collection showing the underside of the original plane’s wings in any detail. I know for sure that other 79th. Fighter Squadron planes had invasion stripes on both the tops and bottom so it would be a safe assumption that his plane did as well.
Remember too that the plane only flew with the stripes for a short time as he was shot down by flak on June12th. and evaded 200 miles through enemy territory to an Allied controlled area.
Attached are a photo of Jack in his P-38 on D-Day, where the stripes on top can be seen, and another 20th. Fighter Group P-38 which was crashed by 20th. HQ pilot George Wemyss on D-Day with the invasion stripes very clearly shown. Also, if you will take a look at an earlier thread I started here:
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=31466
you will see a shot of another 79th. P-38 taxiing for takeoff at King’s Cliffe where the stripes are easily seen.
I’ve been meaning to call Jack for a few weeks now, this might be yet another good reason to do so.
Hope this helps. If you need anything else don’t hesitate to ask and if you’re doing a model of the plane please post a picture of the finished product!
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