p38 defense

[majorfailure]

Depends what you are up against. Vs. most japanese (not J2 and Ki-84) planes you have the speed advantage, use it. And you climb better tan them when you are fast.
Against German/Italian opposition you are as good as dead when you have to defend, your roll rate is inferior. In general vs. German/Italian opposition in a P-38 is a tough game, you cannot roll with them, can barely turn with them, they can climb as well as you and are as fast as you are.