Smith Harold E.

Monuments

B-17s Chicken Ship, Scarlet Harlot, & Raven's Nest Crash Memorial -457th Bomber Group

Name:

Harold E. Smith

Rank:

Staff Sergeant

Serial Number:

Unit:

749th Bomber Squadron, 457th Bomber Group

Date of Death:

0000-00-00

State:

Illinois

Cemetery:

Plot:

Row:

Grave:

Decoration:

Purple Heart

Comments:

Harold E. Smith was born in Decatur, Illinois. He served in the 749th Bomb Squadron, 457th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17 (42-97537) known as "Chicken Ship" during World War II.

On April 9, 1944, during a mission targeting Marienburg (now Malbork, Poland), the plane encountered heavy enemy resistance. After taking flak damage over the target area, "Chicken Ship" lost engine power and fell behind its formation. Three German Focke-Wulf FW 190 fighters attacked, striking the aircraft and forcing the crew to abandon it. All of the crew parachuted safely and became POWs except Flight Engineer Fasone who was instantly killed. SSgt Smith was captured by German forces and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III in Zagan, Poland. Currently there are no available details about his death and burial.

Source of information: b17flyingfortress.de, www.americanairmuseum.com