Strana 37
41-36396, P-40E-1, Lt. Robert E. Smith, 16th FS, 23rd FG, China, autumn 1942
P-40E, Capt. George E. Kiser, 8th FS, 49th FG, Darwin, Australia, 1942
Robert Eugene Smith, nicknamed “Gene”, en-
tered Army Air Force prior to World War II.
The move was rather purposive as he intended
to pay back for his previous studies but he quick-
ly became one of the most successful pilots in
the early days of the 16th FS, 23rd FG, shooting
down four enemies. During one mission his pla-
ne went down near a small village. The villagers,
not knowing who or what he was, started to
come after him. Luckily, he had a small flag that
he waived letting them know that he was an
American and on their side. In the spring 1944
Smith was then with the 394th Fighter Squad-
ron, 367th Fighter Group, in England. He claimed
a Bf 109 damaged on June 17, 1944, but five days
later he was killed when his P-38 was shot
down by flak near Cherbourg in France during
a strafing mission. His plane crashed on the
beach in Normandy with Smith in the cockpit.
During his stay with 23rd FG, he flew P-40E-1
which carried the obligatory shark mouth and
also the name KatyDid on its nose.
Born on May 8, 1918, in Pocatello, Idaho, George
Edward Kiser joined the Army Reserves and
was commissioned a 2nd Lt and rated a pilot
on December 20, 1940. He joined 17th PG of 4th
Composite Group on December 31. After esca-
ping Philippines, where he managed to shoot
down two Zeros, he served in Java with 17th
PS (Prov) and subsequently joined the “Black
Sheep” Squadron, as the 8th FS of 49th FG was
nicknamed. Kiser’s day of fame came on April 27,
1942, when he intercepted an enemy formation
of twenty-four bombers near Darwin. Although
chased by escort fighters, he engaged the bom-
bers, disrupted their formation and destroyed
two of them. In ensuing fighting with the enemy
fighters, he shot down one. This bravery ensured
him the Distinguished Service Cross alongside
other decorations he was awarded in the cour-
se of his service. Altogether he amassed nine
aerial victories. After the war he transferred to
the USAF and retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.
George Kiser passed away on April 1, 1991 (aged
72). The P-40E from his days with 49th FG was
in standard Olive Drab/Neutral Gray camouflage,
sporting on the port side of the fuselage a carto-
onish lion with a praying Japanese pilot in right
front paw, while the left one was stepping on
a destroyed Zero.
KITS 03/2025
INFO Eduard
37
March 2025