World: Smitty & Friends

The first Zero was easy. Smitty sent a burst into the Jap's rear and the plane fell into the sea off Guadalcanal. Then Smitty spotted another, attacking the wingman of his Marine squadron. He banked sharply, caught the Zero full in his sights and that was two down in almost as many minutes. Telling about the exploit, Smitty was carefully casual:

"My third Zero came right up under the belly of my plane, sowing bullets up & down the fuselage. I dropped the nose of my plane and came at him headon. One of his...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!