Albert L Smith Jr

Enlisted as a Private in the Army Air Forces on 3 April 1942.  Selected for Aviation Cadet Training and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant.  Graduated on 1 July 1944 from Bombardier School “Hell From Heaven Men” Training Class 44-09 at Midland Army Air Field, Texas.  Underwent B-29 aircraft transition and operational combat crew training at Smoky Hill Army Air Field near Salina, Kansas.  Deployed to the Central Pacific Theatre of Operations and was assigned to 20th Air Force, XXI Bomber Command, 73rd Bomb Wing, 499th Bombardment Group, 877th Bomb Squadron stationed at Isley Field on Saipan in the Mariana Islands.  On 19-20 July 1945, he flew as the Bombardier aboard a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, Tail Code V-Square-11 (Serial #44-87652).  It was one of 130 aircraft launched to bombard the urban area of Hitachi, Japan.  The mission was flown in darkness, and not in formation.  Flak from anti-aircraft artillery was described as moderate, and only one enemy aircraft was reported by the group.  No radio or visual contact was established after departure from Isley.  His aircraft was last seen at take-off and never returned to Saipan.