Name:
Wilbert I. Smith
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Serial Number:
33411434
Unit:
562nd Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomb Group
Date of Death:
1944-07-08
State:
Pennsylvania
Cemetery:
Normandy American Cemetery, France
Plot:
D
Row:
6
Grave:
40
Decoration:
Air Medal, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
Comments:
Wilbert I. Smith was born on February 21, 1924 in Titusville, Crawford County, Pennsylvania. He served in the 562nd Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group (Heavy), as a Staff Sergeant and Navigator of #42-31802 "Gyndia" aircraft during World War II. A member of the Fisher crew, he was killed when their plane crashed on July 8, 1944 caused by a hit from a flak. He is now buried in the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. SSgt Smith was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.