Pilot  2nd Lt. Robert L. Nesmith
Force Landed  January 1, 1945

Wartime History
2nd Lt. Robert L. Nesmith took off from Alexai Point Airfield as the 3rd in a four-ship formation of P-38s. They were flying a low-level across Attu when Lt. Nesmith got too close to the ground. From his cockpit he could see the grains of the accumulated snow on the ground. He quickly reacted to gain altitude.  However, in doing so, he overcorrected. He mushed the aircraft into the snow. Still airborne as a result of the P-38's forward inertia, he looked over and seen that the starboard  engine was now missing as a result of his initial collision with the ground. He thought he'd have to fly back to Alexai Point field with only the port engine remaining. That's when he realized that its propeller was missing as well! He glided a little further, over a rise, slowed down, and made a very smooth landing...skidding to a stop. Uninjured, Nesmith then bolted from the disabled craft. "I got out and I ran" he said, thinking perhaps the aircraft would explode, and made his way to Attu's shoreline and a waiting rescue boat.

Wreckage
This wreck was left where the crash left it until 1999. The wing tips, props and guns were removed, and the engines are both lying a short distance from the plane. It appears that something has been removed from both booms just aft of the superchargers. The cockpit has been stripped of instruments and shot fired through the vertical stabilizers.

Recovery
Recovered in June 1999.

Restoration
A team of volunteers began restoring the Lightning in December of 1998.

Display
The restored aircraft is now on display at at McCloud Memorial Park, Heritage Park, Elmendorf AFB.

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