FRE 4396
IMAGE
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Thurman Haskel "Bud" Smith, of the 306th Bomb Group/369th Bomb Squadron with a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-31078). Smith was the tailgunner on 42-31078 that was shot down in the North Sea 11 Dec 1943. Rescued by Germans (10 POW) MACR 1574. Thurman spent the remainder of the war in SL 17b. Handwritten caption on reverse: '231078, R, 306BG, T.A. Harkin, "Smitty".' Also known by crew as "Big Smitty". Smith family believes Theodore A Harkin "Terry" to be the photographer
Connections
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Units
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 369th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14046073
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
Aircraft
![Ground personnel of the 306th Bomb Group work on a B-17 Flying Fortress. Marked "Not To Be Published" 25 Nov 1943. On reverse: Ministry of Information, Associated Press and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-407775.jpg.webp?itok=VpgduDF_)
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Unit: 306th Bomb Group 369th Bomb Squadron
Locations
![A bomber crew of the 306th Bomb Group wave to Picture Post Girls in front of a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24471) nicknamed "Four of a Kind" at Thurleigh in December 1942. Image stamped on reverse: '"Picture Post" [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 11 Dec 1942.' [stamp], '238038.' [Censor no.] Handwritten in censor's blue pencil on reverse: 'American Flying Fortress crew are introduced to the girls they will meet at Picture Post Xmas Party.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-379028.jpg.webp?itok=6Gc6iR0j)
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Bedford