Plane completes 200 Missions;
Iowan Helps Keep It in Operation
The four sheet metal specialists who repaired the battle damage incurred by the Ninth air force B-26 Marauder Flak Bait while flying a record-breaking total of 200 missions against Nazi targets in western Europe are, from left to right. Pvt. Raymond J. Wittman of Los Angeles, Sgt. Joseph H. Connelly of Casey, Ill., Pfc, Ernest Jasch of Torrington, Conn., and Cpl. Marvin H. Smith of Cleghorn, Ia., They are members of the 322d bomb group "Annihilators."
A NINTH AIR FORCE BOMBER BASE, Belgium.-- Cpl. Marvin H. Smith, 26, of Cleghorn, Ia. is one of the four sheet metal specialists who repaired the battle damage incurred by the Ninth air force B-26 Marauder Flak Bait during its operational career. The veteran bomber flew it's 200th bombing mission against Nazi targets in western Europe to become the first allied bomber to achieve such a record in this theater.
Cpl. Smith assisted in preparing and applying more than 300 metal patches to cover Flak Bait's 1,000 battle stars. Keeping battle damaged aircraft on operational status by repairing them as soon as possible was a 24-hour job for the Iowa specialist and his work became more important as tactical air power struck a final blow against Nazi' defenses. And the German-held territory diminished in size their defenses became more concentrated which resulted in more battle damage for our bombers.
Cpl. Smith is a member of the 322d bomb group "Annihilators” original Ninth air force Marauder group to operate in this theater. His group, commanded by Col. John S. Samuel of Hinsdale, Ill., has been awarded a president unit citation for pioneering in medium bombing techniques in this theater.
A graduate of Meriden Consolidated high school, Meriden, Iowa. Cpl. Smith entered the army, March 1, 1942. He came overseas in November 1942.
He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rolla J. Smith.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, May 27, 1945 (photo included)
