When a Ball Turret Gunner Saved His B-17

It’s May 1, 1943 and in the ball turret of his B-17 is gunner, Sergeant Maynard H. Smith. Known to the crew as Snuffy, Smith was not a tall man which was an essential requirement for a ball turret gunner.

Due to faulty equipment the B-17’s find themselves unexpectedly low over occupied France. Set upon by German guns and FW 190s, the B-17 was damaged beyond repair and on fire. 3 of the men bailed out over the English Channel. What happened next was a feat of bravery and endurance that saved the plane and the remaining crew. Tending the sick, defending the plane with the waist guns and putting out the fire at the same time, Smith showed true grit in this incredible episode of WW2. This earned him the medal of honor, but despite this, the unruly and unpopular Smith found himself demoted.

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