Temnac P-38G Lightning

The Temnac P-38G Lightning is a restored fighter plane on display at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage. The aircraft, serial number 42-13400, shows all the features of an authentic World War II-era fighter after its extensive restoration.

The plane was assigned to the 54th Fighter Squadron in 1942 and crashed in the Temnac River valley on Attu Island during a training flight in 1945. The wreck remained at the crash site for decades before it was recovered.

The plane represents American military aviation from World War II and shows the engineering skills of that era. Visitors can see how this fighter was designed and used during the war.

The plane is on display at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson grounds in Anchorage. Visitors should check beforehand, as access to the military base may have restrictions.

The plane lay hidden in the remote mountains of Attu Island for over 50 years after its 1945 crash before veterans found it in 1999. Recovering it from that remote terrain was a major technical achievement that shows the determination to preserve this piece of history.

Location: Anchorage

GPS coordinates: 61.24830,-149.80200

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42