Snuffy Smith MOH

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:52 pm

SSgt Maynard ''Snuffy'' Smith 423th BS 306th BG 5-1-1943
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.

Matt Gunsch · **Posted:** Mon Mar 02, 2009 11:50 pm

Jack,
you left the best part out, when he was to recieve the MOH, he was late because he was being punished and was in the kitchen, peeling spuds........

And now you know the REST of the story,

Paul Harvey, RIP

Glen · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:14 am

What was the name of his Airplane ............any pictures ?

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:39 am

Glen wrote:

What was the name of his Airplane ............any pictures ?

Glen, I don't know if the airplane had a name or artwork. I've never seen a name associated with this aircraft, only that it was B-17F 42-29649, 306th B.G. 423rd Squadron. Sgt. Smith was flying as a fill-in gunner on this mission, I don't believe he ever had a crew or ship of his own.

There is one picture of the damage to this airplane a little over halfway down the page: http://www.daveswarbirds.com/b-17/fuselag2.htm

Scott

Mgawa · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:00 am

Definitely Hero!!!!

michaelharadon · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:15 am

I wonder what he did after the war. How do you come up with an encore in civilian life after getting the MOH?

Second Air Force · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:07 pm

Here is a link to Sgt. Smith's story: http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/part2/06_smith.html

He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery at 66-7375.

Scott

michaelharadon · **Posted:** Tue Mar 03, 2009 9:35 pm

Thanks, Scott. For me, it's real poignant reading. Whatever he wasn't, he was the savior (small "s") of six guys who needed him to be everything that he was.

Zachary · **Posted:** Fri Mar 02, 2012 10:34 am

Bump and a question: does anybody know the names of the 306th BG crew members on board that B-17 during the mission for which Snuffy Smith was awarded the MOH?

Thanks for any info!

Zack

Warbird Information Exchange

Snuffy Smith MOH

Who is online