The Most Unlikely Medal of Honor in World War 2 - Maynard Snuffy Smith

Maynard Snuffy Harrison Smith is perhaps the least likely person to win the Medal of Honor in World War 2. Yet one day in 1943, serving as a B-17 ball turret gunner, Maynard Snuffy Smith would step up, his actions were brave, selfless and down right heroic, earning him the most unlikely Medal of Honor in World War 2.

Maynard Snuffy Harrison Smith is far from your stereotypical hero. Unpopular and with poor self discipline Snuffy Smith was disliked by his colleagues.

But on May 1st 1943 Maynard Snuffy Smith found himself the unlikely hero in a routine bombing raid on the U-boat pens at St. Nazaire.

A catastrophic error by the formations navigator meant the formation descended in preparation for landing over occupied France rather than the safety of England.

Snuffy Smith's B-17 Flying Fortress was critically damaged and several of the crew were seriously wounded. With the aircraft on fire, 3 crew members bail out leaving Maynard Snuffy Smith to fight the fire, treat the wounded crew and defend the bomber from German fighters.

Snuffy Smiths actions would quite rightly see him awarded the Medal of Honor. He would become the first enlisted airman in history to be presented with the Medal of Honor.

Maynard Harrison Smith lead a troubled life, both before and after the war. However, on May 1st 1943, Snuffy stepped up. He went above and beyond to save lives, whilst more experienced men bailed out.

Maynard Harrison Smith's Medal of Honor may have been unexpected, but the story is as compelling and inspirational as that of any other Medal of Honor recipient.

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
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