P-38 Lightning At War By Joe Christy and Jeff Ethell. This was published by Charles Scribner's Sons (New York). No published date was given. The book is approx 8 5/8" x This classic title traces the history of the Lightning from the earliest Lockheed "Model 22" through the severe compressibility problems of the prototype YP-38, to the P-38L-5, the fighter-bomber-reconnaissance aircraft of the USAAF in Italy and the Pacific. Graphically illustrated with over 200 action photographs and many eyewitness accounts, this book tells the story of a unique and innovative aircraft, revered for its adaptability and ability to limp home on one engine where other aircraft would have been destroyed.