Today in World War II History—May 1, 1943
Monday, May 1, 2023 by Sarah Sundin

Secretary of War Henry Stimson awarding the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Maynard “Snuffy” Smith of 306th Bombardment Group, 12 July 1943 (US Army Air Force photo)
80 Years Ago—May 1, 1943: On his first mission with the US 306th Bomb Group, gunner Staff Sgt. Maynard “Snuffy” Smith puts out a fire in his B-17, aids wounded gunners, and mans his gun—his actions earn him the Medal of Honor.
US Second War Loan Drive ends, raising $18.5 billion (quota was $13 billion). Read more: “World War II War Bonds.”