P-38H-5-LO
Lightning
"The
Japanese Sandman II"
The plane was assigned to the
35th FG's 39th FS and was Serial Number 42-66905. Orginally piloted
by Lt. Richard E. Smith, and the nose still carries his name and
seven "kill" markings.
This Lightning force landed after a due to mechanical
difficulties during a training exercise from Embi while being
flown by another pilot, Lt. Dawson after the plane was transfered
to the 431st FS, 475th Fighter Group.
Rediscovered in 1985, by Dave Pennefather. In
1986 Richard E. Smith visited New Guinea and, the wreckage of
his old plane, sitting in the cockpit for one last time. It impacted
into light brush, that has now grown up high around the wreck,
thus protecting its marking, serial number and art all of which
are clearly visible.
Below, listen to John
Douglas describe visiting the wreck site.
