First Enlisted Living Airman • Medal of Honor Winner • WW2
Staff Sergeant Maynard H. Smith became the first enlisted and the first living Airman to be awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest recognition for acts of valor, which he had more of than any man twice his size, and then some. Say what you will about Snuffy Smith, he proved that heroism doesn’t require a résumé.
Today, the term “Airman Snuffy” is often attached to enlisted members who are insubordinate or act out. But if you ever want to know what a real hero looks like, you’re looking at him.
Video by Billy Barth
Airman