The Ramblings of a Crusty Old Sailor - Honoring S/Sgt. Maynard H. Smith of Caro, Michigan

B-17 Aerial Gunner Fights Off Enemy in Solo Effort and is Honored with Nation's Highest Decoration

S/Sgt. Maynard H. Smith, of Caro, Michigan flew his first mission on May 1, 1943, as a gunner with the 423d Bombardment Squadron. On return, over St. Nazaire, France, his bomber was subjected to intense enemy anti-aircraft fire and fighter plane attacks, being hit several times, with fires in the radio compartment and waist sections. Sergeant Smith succeeded in extinguishing the fires, besides rendering first aid to a wounded crew member, manning the workable guns, and throwing exploding ammunition overboard.

Sgt. Smith's Medal of Honor Citation reads as follows:

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. The aircraft of which Sgt. Smith was a gunner was subjected to intense enemy antiaircraft fire and determined fighter aircraft attacks while returning from a mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe on 1 May 1943. The aircraft was hit several times by antiaircraft fire and cannon shells of the fighter aircraft, 2 of the crew were seriously wounded, the aircraft's oxygen system shot out, and several vital control cables severed when intense fires were ignited simultaneously in the radio compartment and waist sections. The situation became so acute that 3 of the crew bailed out into the comparative safety of the sea. Sgt. Smith, then on his first combat mission, elected to fight the fire by himself, administered first aid to the wounded tail gunner, manned the waist guns, and fought the intense flames alternately. The escaping oxygen fanned the fire to such intense heat that the ammunition in the radio compartment began to explode, the radio, gun mount, and camera were melted, and the compartment completely gutted. Sgt. Smith threw the exploding ammunition overboard, fought the fire until all the firefighting aids were exhausted, manned the workable guns until the enemy fighters were driven away, further administered first aid to his wounded comrade, and then by wrapping himself in protecting cloth, completely extinguished the fire by hand. This soldier's gallantry in action, undaunted bravery, and loyalty to his aircraft and fellow crewmembers, without regard for his own personal safety, is an inspiration to the U.S. Armed Forces."

Smith flew four more combat missions and earned two Air Medals before being taken off flying for medical reasons. He remained in the combat zone in administrative assignments and returned to the United States in March 1945.

Maynard Smith relocated to St Petersburg, Florida after the war and passed in 1984 at the age of 72. He lies and rest at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia. Lest we forget.