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 flying the P-38 Lightning.

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 between January 6, 1943 to September 23, 1943. All his victory claims were flying the P-38 Lightning in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). His aerial victory claims include:

Victory	Date	Location	Aircraft	Notes on claim
1	01/06/43	Gasmata	A6M Zero	First aerial victory claim.
2	03/03/43	Bismark Sea	A6M Zero	Second aerial victory claim.
3	04/12/43	Port Moresby	G4M1 Betty	Third aerial victory claim.
4	07/21/43	Bogadjim	Ki-61 Tony	Fourth aerial victory claim piloting P-38F "The Japanese Sandman" 42-126??
5	07/21/43	Bogadjim	Ki-61 Tony	Fifth aerial victory claim piloting P-38F "The Japanese Sandman" 42-126??
6	07/23/43	Lae	Ki-43 Oscar	Sixth aerial victory claim.
7	09/23/43	Finchafen	Ki-43 Oscar	Seventh aerial victory claim.

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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