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
|