The Mystery of the P-38G Lightning Wreck off France’s Southern Coast

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning earned the nickname “Fork-Tailed Devil” during its time as a versatile fighter for the United States and its Allies in the Second World War. Its unique design made it stand out, which is why divers Marcel Camilleri and Alain Costanza had no trouble recognizing a P-38G Lightning wreck off France’s southern coast on November 12, 1996.

Rediscovery and Final Flight

This particular P-38G met its fate during the war and was rediscovered years later, lying about 40 meters below the surface near La Ciotat. A photo taken on August 12, 2018, captures the haunting remnants of this aircraft, providing a glimpse into its storied past.

The fighter was piloted by Second Lt. Harry R. Greenup of the 49th Fighting Squadron, 14th Fighter Group, Fifteenth Air Force, when it was downed on January 27, 1944. Alongside him flew his 21-year-old wingman, Second Lt. James G. Riley, both operating out of Southern Italy’s Foggia Airfield Complex, including Triolo Airfield.

A Fateful Mission and Its Aftermath

Their mission in late January involved escorting over 60 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses to the German-occupied Salon-de-Provence Air Base. Enemy forces engaged them upon reaching La Ciotat. Riley was brought down by a German fighter and did not survive. Meanwhile, Greenup encountered flak, managing to land in the bay before his aircraft sank a mere three nautical miles from Riley’s resting place.

Later found swimming by a German patrol boat, Greenup was captured and spent time as a prisoner of war (POW) until 1945. For his service and resilience, he was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal and the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Tragically, Greenup’s life ended in a different kind of accident eleven years later. While driving in Colorado, he suffered a fatal crash into a major river, with the waves claiming him at last.