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The B-17 Gunner Who Won the Medal of Honor: Maynard H. Smith
Maynard H. Smith was a young man who enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1942. He was assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group, 419th Bomb Squadron, and flew as a ball turret gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. On August 9, 1943, during a raid on the German port of St. Nazaire, Smith’s B-17 was attacked by German fighters. Smith’s plane was severely damaged, and its crew was forced to bail out. Smith, however, remained at his post in the ball turret, even though he was seriously wounded. He continued to fire on the enemy fighters, despite being hit by enemy fire. He was eventually forced to bail out, but he had saved his plane and crew.
Smith’s actions that day earned him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States. He was the only ball turret gunner to receive this honor during World War II. He also received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war, Smith returned to civilian life and worked as a truck driver. He died in 2005 at the age of 82.
Smith’s story is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of the men and women who served in World War II. He is a true American hero.
The Raid on St. Nazaire
The raid on St. Nazaire was a major bombing mission that was part of the Allied effort to cripple German war production. The target was the U-boat pens, which were used to house German submarines. The mission was highly dangerous, and many bombers were lost. Smith’s plane was one of the few that survived the raid.
The Ball Turret
The ball turret was a small, rotating turret that was located in the belly of the B-17. It was manned by a single gunner who was responsible for defending the bomber from attacks from below. The ball turret was a cramped and uncomfortable place to be, and it was very dangerous. The gunner was exposed to the elements and to enemy fire, and he was often forced to work in freezing temperatures.
Maynard H. Smith’s Medal of Honor Citation
Smith’s Medal of Honor citation reads as follows:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, has awarded the Medal of Honor to
Airman First Class Maynard H. Smith
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on August 9, 1943, while serving as a ball turret gunner in a B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft in the 419th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, during a mission against enemy installations at St. Nazaire, France. When his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters, Airman First Class Smith, although seriously wounded, remained at his post in the ball turret and continued to fire on the enemy fighters until he was forced to bail out. His heroic action and outstanding courage in the face of extreme danger were an inspiration to his crew and enabled them to complete their mission. Airman First Class Smith’s gallantry and intrepidity reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.
Smith’s story is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made by the men and women who fought in World War II. He was a true hero, and his story should be remembered and honored.