Louis F. Smith.
Bombardier · 330th Squadron · Of Boston, MA.
The man.
Served with 93rd Bomb Group, 330th Bomb Sqdn. Flew 25 missions, mostly with Gen. Ramsey Potts (then a major) as his crew. On the low-level Ploesti raid, Aug. 1, 1943, served as nose gunner in a B-24D where twin guns had been installed — being in the nose, he was likely the first man in the flight over the target. Maj. Potts led the flight of 12 planes. The Ploesti mission still gave him nightmares 50 years later.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born Nov. 14, 1919 in Boston, MA. Entered military service Feb. 18, 1942. Joined the 93rd at Fort Myers, FL before the group went to England.
Discharged May 26, 1945 as staff sergeant. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, EAME Theater Medal with Battle Stars, Good Conduct Medal. Wife Ethel is deceased; one daughter Judith, one grandson, one granddaughter. Retired; spends six months in Florida and six months in Massachusetts.