430th FS "Back Door Gang" P-38 Lightnings in action over Germany - Color, 1945
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Published 2013-01-30
From the get go, the 474th was configured as a ground attack unit, but they also provided bomber escort and level bombing, led by Norden bomb sight equipped "Droop Snoots," which are shown here. One of three P-38 squadrons in the 474th, the 430th's call sign was "Back Door," and its planes and pilots are featured in the film in the Spring of 1945 at their base in Florennes, Belgium, a former Luftwaffe night fighter base.
You'll see intense (and rare) color gun camera film showing strafing attacks inside Germany with slow motion replays, as well as color footage of B-26s and a P-61 Black Widow. Perhaps most memorable are the all too brief, silent portraits of the men who flew those dangerous missions. It's amazing how color film brings 60+ year old images to life.
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All Comments (21)
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I was assigned to the 474th TFW, 430th TFS at Nellis AFB from 1980-1989. Wing has a lot of history. The patches have changed since WWII. They were the first to deploy the F-111 in Vietnam. I started on the F4-D then transitioned to the F-16A. When the Thunderbirds went to the F-16, the aircraft were assets of the 474th. The wing was decommissioned in 1989 and the aircraft sent to the reserves/guard. I heard it was reactivated but I’m not sure on that one. We had a great time during those years working on the new F-16. Great video showing some of the roots. To all my fellow Buccaneers (428th), Black Falcons (429th) and finally the Tigers (430th) I salute you!
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I was in the marines from 1970-1980. Worked on helicopters. Shot down in a chopper in 1973 in Vietnam. Many of my family and relatives fought in WW-2. Several where in the navy and flew in planes very rough. My uncle was a B-17 pilot for 3 1/2 years. My pop was on a aircraft carrier as a radio engineer , navigator in planes. Very little did anyone of them talk about what went on. Only once in the early 60’s did my father talk to me about what went on. These guys where true heroes as far as I’m concerned. I thought I had a hard time but nothing compared to what they went thru. A cousin of mine flew in the P-38 in Germany the last 2 years of the war messed him up big time. He used to hide out in the basements when we had family parties. All he every said to me when I asked him a few times was to many bombing missions. He shook all the time. Never really understood what was going on with them in the 60’s. But later in life after I got out it really hit me also as to why.
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I'm a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran. I grew up hero-worshiping these guys. My parents' generation. Thanks for this, I have never seen these films before.
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As a historian I can say thanx Zeno. Wonderful music, wonderful documentary. Give me more.
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Thanks for a terrific piece of work, colour film, period music and most of all, the research you did. On top of that, the P-38 is my favourite bird, hands down!
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You done a great service to soldiers of this war and future generations.
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Best video of this type I've seen! Thank You!
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Great film. My mother worked at Lockheed during the war helping to build these wonderful airplanes. It brought back many a wonderful story she told us of that time.
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On the gun camera footage with the black pointer in the upper left corner: Visible = NOT SHOOTING/off trigger; when it disappears = SHOOTING/on trigger. The aircraft only carried enough ammo for several seconds of shooting. This is why you’ll see short bursts. Great video!
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the P38 was the A10 of it's day..and just as beautiful..Pilots loved 'em, enemies feared them..and respected them..great color video..thanks
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WONDERFUL ! These are in such great condition ! If I had the financial where-withall I would gather up as many remaining pictures and films from this period in history as possible and restore them, starting with moving picture like this ! Thanks so much for posting it.
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Thanks for the great clip, awesome musical background too !!
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Adam, the original film footage is silent. Live sound recording in the field was very rare in World War 2, with the exception of an occasional interview or speech. Sound was usually added later in the studio back in the USA. So, I added all the sound effects you hear in this video. The P-38 sounds are taken from sound recordings of real P-38s. Zeno
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The term for the specially modified P-38 was “Droop Snoot" (i.e. “Snout") not “Droop Snoop." A small point, but in the interests of accuracy... A GREAT and RARE documentary. Love the P-38.
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Superb film. Especially appreciate the P-38L glimpse. Very rare. Cheers, Zeno!
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Brilliant stuff,thanks Zeno.
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Absolutely love the period correct music. Thanks for that. I could watch these videos all day and never get bored. Just a glimpse into the what our boys experienced in WW2.
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The P-38 is my favorite WWII fighter. I grew up in northwest Wisconsin and my family drove through Poplar, WI several times a year. Poplar is the hometown of Richard I.Bong, the all-time leading American Ace. At that time there was a P-38 on a stick outside the town's school. I always looked for it as we drove through town and I got a close look at it many times. The plane now resides in nearby Superior, WI at a memorial & museum.
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Thanks for the film! Here's to the men who flew the planes to help win the war; they were so skilled and so courageous.
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The big band music playing in the background was perfect !
