May 1, 1943: First enlisted Airman earns Medal of Honor
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. – May 1, 1943: A B-17 on which Army Air Forces Sgt. Maynard H. Smith was waist gunner, came under intense enemy fire while returning from a mission. Smith, on his first mission, elected to fight a fire, administer first aid, man the waist guns, and fight intense flames alternately. For his actions, Smith received the Medal of Honor from Secretary of War Henry Stimson. He was the first enlisted Airman to be awarded the Medal of Honor. (Courtesy photo)