The Night Stalkers of WW2: P-61 Black Widow

The Night Stalkers of WW2: P-61 Black Widow
Maj. Carroll C. Smith: American Night Ace

The United States was already using the Bristol Beaufighter as a night fighter when the P-61 Black Widow by Northrop was introduced late in WW2. Maj. Carroll Smith became the top American ace in the P-61 shooting down four Japanese aircraft in one night. His Black Widow named “Time’s a Wastin’” had four 20mm cannon and four .50 cal machine guns in a turret and he used them to deadly effect. Maj. Smith went on to down three more aircraft before the end of the war. He received the Silver Star for his actions. The P-61 was also used in bombing and attack raids with rockets attached to the wings.

It became a fearsome attack aircraft most notably with its shiny black paint scheme that made it almost invisible at night, but it was only as good as the men inside it. Valor is in you. Set it free.