Staff Sergeant Maynard H. Smith

Photo of Staff Sergeant Maynard H. smith, of Caro, Michigan, is the first enlisted man in the European Theater of operations to be recommended for the Congressional Medal of honor. his amazing cool-headedness and bravery after a Flying Fortress raid on St. Nazaire earns him that honor. with three members of the crew baled out, Sergeant Smith managed to administer aid to the wounded tail gunner, blast at Nazis from the two waist guns, and fight fire and removing popping ammunition all at once. Sergeant smith was tail gunner and completely cut off from the pilot and co-pilot. his fire fighting and first aide action saved his ship and the lives of all aboard.

Sergeant Maynard Harrison “Snuffy” Smith. (Bettmann (Getty Images))

Bettmann (Getty Images)