Name:
Thomas P. Smith
Rank:
First Lieutenant
Serial Number:
O-759767
Unit:
322nd Bomber Squadron, 91st Bomber Group, Heavy
Date of Death:
1944-08-13
State:
Illinois
Cemetery:
Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Me
Plot:
A
Row:
13
Grave:
4
Decoration:
Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart
Comments:
1stLt Thomas P. Smith was the pilot of the B-17 42-107030 “Fifinella” when it took off from station 121 Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire, UK on a mission to Le Manoir. Shortly before 1300 hours, a direct hit by enemy flak smashed the cockpit. Instead of turning back, Lt Smith completed their mission, then circled Incarville in order to allow his crew to bail out safely. Three were taken prisoner and five escaped back to England. He crashed into the Baudry house shortly afterwards, obliterating the 1881 cross the town had set there at 1303 hours.