James E. Smith (center) was a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot in Europe during World War II. Assigned to the 527th Squadron, 379th Bomb Group, Smith's first mission, as co-pilot, was against the ball bearing plants at Schweinfurt, Germany. Smith eventually flew 25 combat missions over Germany and France as the pilot of 'Ruthie.' (Photos from the Illinois Histrical Preservation Agency are designated by the source as in the public domain)
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