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Smith

Sgt. Maynard H. Smith Jr.
INTRODUCTION:  
Attention:   Good morning.   My name is TSgt Lane and I am here to inform about an unlikely man who became hero, Sgt Maynard Smith Jr.
Purpose:   How many of you would care to work with a military member who was given the choice to either join the Army or go to jail?   This is exactly what was offered to a man who is now known as the first enlisted man to ever receive the Medal of Honor.
Overview:   To give you a full understanding of why he was given the Medal of Honor and why he was such an unlikely hero, we will look at his act of heroism and his personality.
Transition:   Today, most of us would be able to recognize Sgt Maynard Smith as the first enlisted member to receive the Medal of Honor, but could not answer why.   It’s simple: he saved lives, extinguished a fire, and helped defend his plane.

BODY:
Main Point 1: Heroism
On May 1st 1943 Sgt Smith was given his first mission as a b-17 gunner.   The mission was to destroy German submarine pens and it was a success, but on the way back to England the Pilot, Lt Johnson made a navigational error and placed them back over France where they where hit.   The plan pretty much burst in to flames, but Sgt Smith didn’t panic. While 3 other airman bailed out of the plane and were never seen again, Sgt Smith stayed with the plane and continued to fight by manning the 50 caliber gun.   While he was doing this he was able to extinguish the fire, by
Throwing out debris and ammo that were fueling the fire
Using the fire extinguisher
Pouring water and urine on the fire and then finally
Smothered the flames with his hands and feet
He also attended to a wounded airman during all of this chaos

Because of Sgt Smith’s actions the plane was able landed back in England but it did break into two.
He was credited to saving the remaining crew members lives

a. Extinguished fire on plane

b. Helped defended the plane

Transition:   All of these acts could only be done by a man...