Captain Richard E. Smith
5th Air Force (5th AF), 35th Fighter Group (35th FG), 39th Fighter Squadron
P-38 Lightning Pilot and Ace

Background
Richard Eugene Smith was born October 17, 1918 to parents Albert Clay Smith and Lola May Mitchell Smith in Indianapolis, IN. Smith graduated high school and attended three years of college and was employed as an motor vehicle mechanic and repairman.

Wartime History
On October 31, 1941 enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as an aviation cadet with serial number 17033880. After completing flight school, he earned his wings and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant with serial number O-725368. Sent oversea to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Assigned to the 5th Air Force (5th AF), 35th Fighter Group (35th FG), 39th Fighter Squadron (39th FS) "Cobra In The Clouds" as a fighter pilot. In total, Smith flew 195 combat missions flying the P-38 Lightning and later the P-47 Thunderbolt.

Assigned Aircraft
Smith was first assigned P-38F "The Japanese Sandman" 42-126?? that he flew in combat until late July 1943. Next, assigned P-38H "Japanese Sandman II" 42-66905 until the end of his tour of duty.

Aerial Victory Claims
Smith was officially credited with seven aerial victories and one damaged plane between January 6, 1943 to September 23, 1943. All his victories were flying the P-38 Lightning in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).

Victory	Date	Time	Location	Aircraft	Notes on claim	Aircraft Flown
1	01/06/43	1700	Gasmata	Ki-43 Oscar	First aerial victory claim.	P-38F 42-12633
2	03/03/43	1010	Bismark Sea	Ki-43 Oscar	Second aerial victory claim.	P-38F 42-12640
3	04/12/43	1015	Port Moresby	G4M1 Betty	Third aerial victory claim.	P-38F 42-12647
4	07/21/43	1210	Bogadjim	Ki-61 Tony	Fourth aerial victory claim	P-38F "The Japanese Sandman" 42-126??
5	07/21/43	1210	Bogadjim	Ki-61 Tony	Fifth aerial victory claim	P-38F "The Japanese Sandman" 42-126??
6	07/23/43	0950	Lae	Ki-43 Oscar	Sixth aerial victory claim.	P-38H 42-12640
7	09/22/43	1245	Tami Island	A6M Zero	Seventh aerial victory claim.	P-38H 42-66532
D1	09/22/43	1245	Tami Island	A6M Zero	Claimed as damaged.	P-38H 42-66532

Postwar
Smith remained in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and retired with the rank of Captain. He and his wife Dorothy retired to Andalusia, Alabama.

During 1986, Richard E. Smith and his wife Dorine visited Papua New Guinea (PNG) where he served in World War II. Guided by Frank Egimbari and David Pennefather they walked to the crash site of Smith's former plane P-38H "Japanese Sandman II" 42-66905 that crashed December 4, 1943 piloted by a different pilot.

Memorials
Smith passed away on February 19, 2006 at age 87. He is buried at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL at plot A-8 A 15.

Relatives
Dorothy Mary Dill Smith (wife died February 27, 2007)

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Richard E. Smith
Flight Log Book - Richard E. Smith (August 28, 1942–October 8, 1942)
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Smith, Richard E. page 176 (PDF page 183)
Stars & Bars (1995) pages 33-34 (39th FS, Smith), 565 (Smith, Richard Eugene Snuffy)
FindAGrave - Richard Eugene Smith (grave photo)
Pacific Ghosts - Interview with Richard E. Smith
Thanks to Richard E. Smith for additional information

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