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How a B-17 Gunner Did the Impossible

On May 1, 1943, ball turret gunner Maynard Smith faced a life-or-death situation over German-occupied France. Despite his small stature and difficult personality, Smith fought raging fires, defended ...
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Ball Turret Gunner Who Saved His B-17

On May 1, 1943, Sergeant Maynard H. “Snuffy” Smith manned the ball turret of his B-17 during a mission over occupied France. When the formation was forced low by faulty equipment, German guns and Fw ...