Edward M. Smith.
Engineer / Top Turret · 328th Squadron · Of Paonia, CO.
The man.
Assigned as flight engineer with 93rd Bomb Group, 328th Bomb Sqdn. at Hardwick, England (July 1944). On their second mission over Koblenz, Germany, flak hit their plane hard, knocking out the #2 engine; bombardier Britt stood on his flak suit which took a direct hit (survived), nose gunner Karels scratched. The plane took over 200 holes but landed safely after Smith kicked out the jammed nose wheel. Completed 35 missions.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born April 27, 1922 in Paonia, CO. Joined regular Army April 5, 1941 at Ft. Logan, CO. Assigned as flight engineer; trained and assembled crew. Picked up new plane in Lincoln, NE; flew via northern route to Ireland, then to England with 93rd Bomb Group, 328th Bomb Sqdn. in July 1944.
Completed 35 missions; discharged May 22, 1945 as tech sergeant. Completed A&P School (Airframe and Powerplant); worked for Boeing in Wichita, KS for 15.5 years and United Air Lines at San Francisco for 20 years. Retired 1987. First wife Mickey died 1982; married Millie Harless 1984. Lives in Sacramento.