Hidden History: America's Forgotten P-39 Airacobra Ace

Summary

The P-39 Airacobra, an American fighter plane often considered underperforming, played a pivotal role in the early Pacific War, despite its issues with high-altitude combat. The story of William Fiedler, the only U.S. pilot credited with five victories exclusively in the P-39, is highlighted. Fiedler's heroics, particularly during combat over Guadalcanal, make him a unique figure in World War II aviation. His tragic death, caused by a collision on the ground, underscores the high cost of war. The video also briefly mentions the Airacobra's contribution to Soviet forces, promising further exploration in future content.

Takeaways

• 😀 The P-39 Airacobra was an American fighter plane considered unsuccessful in U.S. service, primarily due to its poor high-altitude performance.
• 😀 Despite heavy losses, the P-39 played a critical role in the Pacific theater, helping to delay Japanese advances in New Guinea and Guadalcanal.
• 😀 The P-39 is credited with over 300 aerial victories, and more than 20 pilots who flew it would later become aces.
• 😀 Only one American pilot, William Fiedler, achieved five victories exclusively while flying the P-39.
• 😀 Fiedler's first combat mission took place in January 1943, when he and his leader, Lieutenant Larry McKulla, encountered a Japanese flying boat and escorting fighters.
• 😀 McKulla's aircraft was shot down, and although Fiedler engaged the enemy, he was unable to rescue his leader, but he survived a dangerous encounter with enemy fighters.
• 😀 Fiedler claimed two victories during an attack on a Japanese convoy in February 1943, part of the ongoing conflict in Guadalcanal.
• 😀 On June 12, 1943, Fiedler achieved his third aerial victory in a combat with 50 Japanese fighters.
• 😀 During a battle on June 16, 1943, Fiedler's flight targeted Japanese dive bombers, and despite technical difficulties with his aircraft, he scored his fifth victory.
• 😀 Fiedler was officially recognized as an ace, becoming the only non-Soviet pilot to achieve five victories with the P-39, though his status was short-lived as he was killed in an accident on June 30, 1943.
• 😀 While the P-39 Airacobra is often regarded as a subpar aircraft, it served a crucial role in the early stages of the Pacific War, and its service with the Soviet Union is a different story deserving further exploration.

Q & A

What was the P-39 Airacobra's primary issue during its service in the Pacific theater?

The P-39 Airacobra's primary issue was its poor high-altitude performance, which made it less effective against enemy fighters like the Japanese Zeros that were flown by experienced pilots.

How did the P-39 Airacobra contribute to the defense of New Guinea and Guadalcanal?

Despite its shortcomings, the P-39 Airacobra played a critical role in holding back the Japanese offensive long enough for the Allies to take the initiative in the Pacific theater.

What is notable about the American pilots' use of the P-39 Airacobra during WWII?

Over 300 aerial victories are credited to the P-39 in American service, and more than 20 American pilots who achieved their first kills on the Airacobra later became aces.

Who was the only American pilot credited with five victories exclusively on the P-39 Airacobra?

William Fiedler was the only American pilot credited with five aerial victories exclusively on the P-39 Airacobra.

What event led to William Fiedler's first combat engagement in January 1943?

William Fiedler's first combat engagement occurred when he took off with his leader, Lieutenant Larry McKulla, to investigate a sighting of a dinghy near Choiseul, leading to an encounter with a Japanese flying boat and fighter escort.

What happened to Lieutenant Larry McKulla during the engagement with the Japanese flying boat and fighters?

Lieutenant McKulla was hit by a Zero during the engagement, his aircraft caught fire, and he was forced to ditch it in the ocean. He was eventually rescued by a submarine.

How did William Fiedler manage to survive a long chase by Japanese Zeros after his leader was attacked?

Fiedler managed to survive by outrunning his pursuers after a long chase, with the Zeros eventually turning away.

How did the American forces respond to the Japanese 'Tokyo Express' convoy on 4th February 1943?

American forces launched a mixed formation of 25 bombers and 28 fighters to intercept the Japanese 'Tokyo Express' convoy, resulting in a battle with Japanese Zeros and Ki-43 Oscars, during which Fiedler claimed one Zero as his second kill.

What was the outcome of Fiedler's third aerial victory on 12th June 1943?

On 12th June 1943, Fiedler claimed his third aerial victory during a confrontation with Japanese Zeros, though no specific details are available about the kill.

What significant event occurred on 16th June 1943 involving Fiedler and the Japanese forces?

On 16th June 1943, Fiedler shot down a Japanese dive-bomber (Aichi D3A 'Val') during a large-scale attack on American transport ships near Guadalcanal, despite his guns jamming during the battle.

What led to the tragic death of William Fiedler in June 1943?

William Fiedler tragically died on 30th June 1943 when his P-39 Airacobra was hit by a P-38 that had suffered an engine failure on takeoff. Both aircraft exploded, and though Fiedler was initially alive, he died several hours later.