Richard E. Smith
 
  Flying P-47's & Stateside Flight Instructor

Our squadron switched over to the P-47, they called it “the Jug”.  I didn’t really like it as much as the Lightning, because it didn’t have those two engines to bring you home.  I forget how many missions I flew in the P-47, but about half in them, and half in the P-38. 

All my victories were in the P-38 though.  After I got back home to Indiana, I had a few friends who had worked as test pilots for the P-47, and I had the opportunity to tour the factory and see how they were made.  But of course, my favorite plane was the P-38!

After my tour ended, I went back to the states, where I became an instructor.  I flew everything – from B-29’s to Piper Cubs.  I didn’t go back overseas for a second tour to the Philippines, but many of my squadron mates did.  After the war, I did a lot of things, but that is another story I guess!

I worked for Wirlpool Corporation, and retied to Alabama

Next | Prev | R.E. Smith Interview