Maynard Harrison Smith

He saved the crew of a burning B-17 over France

Maynard Harrison Smith was born in Caro, Michigan, on 19 May 1911. He entered the United States Army in Detroit on 31 August 1942 and trained as an aerial gunner in Texas. He joined the 423rd Bombardment Squadron, 306th Bombardment Group, at Thurleigh in England in April 1943.

On 1 May 1943, Smith's first combat mission took him to the submarine installations at Saint-Nazaire. On the return flight, enemy fire damaged the bomber's oxygen system and controls and started fires in two compartments. Two crewmen were seriously wounded, and three parachuted from the aircraft over the sea.

Smith gave first aid, fired the waist guns and fought the fires. He threw exploding ammunition overboard and put out the remaining flames after using up the extinguishers. His actions helped the pilot bring the damaged bomber back to England.

Secretary of War Henry Stimson presented the Medal of Honor at Thurleigh on 15 July 1943. Smith was the first enlisted airman of the Army Air Forces to receive it. He also earned two Air Medals. After he was taken off flying duties, he served with 306th Bombardment Group headquarters. He returned to the United States in 1945 and was honourably discharged on 26 May.

Smith died in Saint Petersburg, Florida, on 11 May 1984 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

His Medal of Honor citation recognizes his “gallantry in action, undaunted bravery, and loyalty to his aircraft and fellow crewmembers.”