384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in World War II

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Home / 384th During WWII / Aircraft / B-17F Aircraft / B-17F 42-5086 BK*B, "WAHOO II" /

42-5086 at Maynard Smith MOH Ceremony

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Originally assigned to the 306th BG, this aircraft was transferred to the 384th in September 1943.

Original description of the photo:

"B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 306th Bomb Group fly in formation over another B-17 (WW-J, serial number 42-5086) during a medal ceremony for Staff Sergeant Maynard Smith. Passed for publication 16 Jul 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Highest American Award For U.S. Air Gunner. 15.7.43. Col. Henry L. Stimson, U.S. Secretary of War to-day presented the Congressional Medal of Honour - America's highest award - equivalent to Britain's V.C. to Staff Sergeant Maynard Smith, for his bravery during a raid on St. Nazaire in France. Smith is the second man in the European Theatre of Operations to receive this award in World War II and the first to live to receive it. The presentation took place at a station "somewhere in England". The picture shows:- A formation of Flying Fortresses fly past in salute as Col. Henry Stimson presents the award which took place in front of a Flying Fortress."

Image source: [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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