R.E. "Snuffy" Smith, "Japanese Sandman"

John Lane · **Posted:** Thu Mar 02, 2006 5:51 pm

Another sad note to pass along, R. E. "Snuffy" Smith has passed away this past week at age 86. He was a 7 Victory Ace, flying out of New Guinea with the 39th SQ, 35th FG, 5th AAF, SWP Campaign. His aircraft named the "Japanese Sandman" was recovered recently to be restored by Murray Griffiths in Wangaretta, Austraila. He and my father flew together in the Pacific and know are reunited again! God bless his family and friends who were cloose to him. He will be sorely missed but will never be forgotten! :cry:

Capt. Lou · **Posted:** Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:28 pm

"Snuffy Smith" was also a member of the legendary Flying Tigers and served with distinction in China. He returned to the war in New Guinea where he further distinguished himself.

Another great is no longer with us.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Thu Mar 02, 2006 10:04 pm

Quote:

Snuffy Smith" was also a member of the legendary Flying Tigers and served with distinction in China. He returned to the war in New Guinea where he further distinguished himself.

Sorry CL but you're confusing Snuffys. RE Snuffy was never a AVG pilot. The chap you're thinking of Robert H. "Snuffy" Smith flew in the !st Pursuit Sqd AVG and later commanded the 12th FS 13th AF during the early stages of the Philippines Campaign in Nov 1944. RH Snuffy was a good friend and died a number of years ago in south Florida.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Thu Mar 02, 2006 10:29 pm

Here's a good shot.....................

1Lt Richard E. "Snuffy" Smith 39th FS New Guinea 1943

Lightning · **Joined:** Fri Nov 05, 2004 7:06 pm **Posts:** 424

Thanks for the update John

Richard was one of the many great WW2 Veterans, who were part of the great generation. All we have now is their written histories and photo's to remember them by.

I will sorely miss corresponding with Richard

RIP Snuffy

Lightning

ww2John · **Posted:** Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:27 pm

IIRC, wasn't there also another "Snuffy" Smith...a bomber crewman in the 8th AF?

I seem to remember an Andy Rooney story about a "Snuffy" (if not smith, definitely Snuffy anyway) who, during a combat mission, "snuffed" out an on-board fire by (no way to say this nicely I guess) urinating on it, saving the aircraft.

When it came time to award him his medal with all the attendant dignitaires waiting - no Snuffy! They finally found him serving on KP, a punishment due to his constant "problems" (insubordination born of alcohol, but I could be wrong). Apparently, the kind of guy to go to war with, but not to live with.

My apologies to everyone named Snuffy if I have the story wrong.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Sat Mar 04, 2006 2:27 pm

Quote:

wasn't there also another "Snuffy" Smith...a bomber crewman in the 8th AF?

SSgt Maynard "Snuufy" Smith who was on KP and almost missed his MOH ceremony.
There's also Don "Snuffy" Smith 121 Eagle Squadron & 4th FG.

setter · **Posted:** Sun Mar 05, 2006 7:08 pm

Hi the Sandman remains are to be restored and are amongst the airframes in this link - when you get in the pages go to Murray Griffiths and scroll through - you will see lots of nice toys here.

http://community.webshots.com/user/setter126007

there are lots of earlier ones of all the Murray Griffiths restorations at Wangarratta.

http://community.webshots.com/user/setter125

Regards
John P

Lightning · **Joined:** Fri Nov 05, 2004 7:06 pm **Posts:** 424

Howdy all

From what I have been told, the centre section of the P-38H "JAPANESE SANDMAN II" is still sitting in New Guinea. Only the wings and tail sections etc are at Wangaratta
The centre section will eventually be taken on by the HARS group as a project

Lightning

setter · **Posted:** Sun Mar 05, 2006 9:27 pm

Hi Lightning

Well it may go to HARS or it may get done at Wang as a part of the line and go to HARS - that would make more sense - A lot of what is at Wang came from a similar source. I can't imagine much sense in setting up jigs etc to build a single aircraft when multiples are being done. There is from the outside perspective a good working relationship between the two organisations so why not pool resources or does that make too much sense?

My opinion only and I have no insights into this just obvious really?

Regards
John p

Daniel Leahy · **Posted:** Sun Mar 12, 2006 11:32 pm

Hi All,

I was made aware of Smith's passing last week - Another sad story of the loss of a veteran. My condolences go out to his family and loved ones.

Incidentally, I visited the Precision Aerospace facility at Wangaratta last Friday and saw the partially recovered remains of "Japanese Sandman II":

Justin Taylan · **Joined:** Tue Jan 18, 2005 2:06 am **Posts:** 21

Smith was an interesting person, as an early P-38 pilot, veteran of combat and ace. He was the only pilot that I am aware who was reunited with the actual plane he flew as it remained where the war left it in New Guinea as a crash site. He was not flying the plane when it was lost (it had been transfered to another squadron and lost on a training flight).

I had a chance to meet R.E. Smith in January 2006, he was in good spirits and very friendly person speak with. He is survived by his wife and son, Richard, Jr.

Here are a few links related to his aircraft and an interview:

R.E. Smith Interview
http://www.pacificghosts.com/people/smith/

P-38H "Japanese Sandman II"
http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/p ... 66905.html

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R.E. "Snuffy" Smith, "Japanese Sandman"

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