Airmen define who we are, where we are going

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Imagine flying your first combat mission as a B-17 gunner assigned to attack the heavily defended submarine pens at St Nazaire, France. During your mission, you come under heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire and the airplane you're flying in is struck several times. Two crewmembers are seriously wounded, the oxygen system has been shot out and fires have ignited in several parts of the plane. As the fires flame out of control you hear ammunition explode throughout the cargo bay from the intense heat. As you assess the deteriorating condition, three crewmembers decide they'll be better off in the sea and they bail out. Will you join them in the sea, or do you stay and fight to save the plane and injured crewmembers?

Sergeant Maynard H. Smith proved he had the courage and bravery needed to go prevail in an otherwise grim situation. He threw exploding ammunition overboard, manned workable guns to fight off German fighters, administered first aid to his wounded comrades and feverishly fought to extinguish the fires throughout the plane.

For his actions May 1, 1943, Sergeant Smith became the first enlisted man to earn the Medal of Honor. Secretary of War Henry Stimson presented Smith the MOH in July, 1943.

Sergeant Smith is just one of a many brave Airmen who make up our Enlisted Heritage. But, without any visual depictions or memorabilia to remind us of our history, they tend to be forgotten.

Making sure Airmen like Sergeant Smith are not forgotten is the goal of Aviano's Enlisted Heritage Project Team.

"Our Enlisted Heritage is important to every Airman," said team lead Master Sgt. Shon Wagner. "To prepare for the future and to be better equipped Expeditionary Airmen, we need to understand our past. Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Rodney McKinley's Airman Heritage perspective explains the importance of our heritage, enlisted or officer."

The heritage team's first project was to highlight current Medal of Honor recipients. Located in the La Dolce Vita, six heroic Airmen are recognized for choices only Airmen truly committed to the Air Force Core Values would make, with some making the ultimate sacrifice.

"Our team is just the beginning of a goal Chief Master Sgt. Dave Collins has to highlight our heritage," said Sergeant Wagner. "We hope our efforts inspire other groups and organizations to get involved with highlighting our Airmen Heritage."

Airmen across the base are encouraged to submit ideas or create displays in their units highlighting the Air Force's rich heritage. For Chief Collins, 31st Fighter Wing command chief, he hopes these displays will make Airmen feel proud to see what they are a part of and to be able to say, "I was involved in that."

"We have an incredible mission here at Aviano and I am so proud of the work our Airmen accomplish each day," said Chief Collins. "The sacrifices and contributions our past Airmen have made define who we are today and where we'll be in the future. Never forget your Airman Heritage."