Added by: GmasherSSGT Paul Smith wearing the insignia of the 64th Fighter Squadron "Black Scorpions," the unit to which he was assigned in the 57th Fighter Group.
Added by: GmasherProbably taken in North Africa, judging from the poor quality of the film development.
Added by: GmasherAn unidentified enlisted man with Paul (L), somewhere in North Africa.
Added by: GmasherLuxury accommodations, North Africa style - complete with open bar. Tents were the order of the day for operations during this period, mostly due to the pace of the Allied advance.
Added by: GmasherA typical mess hall for AAF ground crews in North Africa - open air. Paul is at far right, back to camera.
Added by: GmasherPaul brushing his teeth; note the long shadow of early morning.
Added by: GmasherPaul (L) with an unidentified airman, ready to serenade the crowd...
Added by: GmasherHonorable Discharge dated 17 September 1945.
Added by: GmasherRecord printed on the reverse side of Paul's discharge certificate.
Added by: GmasherTarrant County clerk's statement attached to Paul's discharge certificate.
Added by: GmasherThe card sharp - Paul apparently had quite a reputation for relieving his squadron mates of their payday funds at the poker table.
Added by: Gmasher64th Fighter Squadron mate Arthur D. Besancon working on the "business end" of a Curtiss P-40F: A Packard-built Rolls-Royce Merlin engine.
Added by: GmasherCustom manufactured Army Air Forces emblem for dress uniform; note bullion thread.
Added by: GmasherTop: Distinguished Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster (57th Fighter Group).
Middle: unknown.
Bottom (L-R) Good Conduct, American Defense, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign.
Added by: GmasherWorld War II Victory Medal & Good Conduct Medal.
Added by: GmasherRank insignia for Staff Sergeant. Although Smith's discharge from active duty in the Army Air Forces was dated 17 September 1945, he maintained reserve status for three more years - during which the Air Force became a separate armed service, and created their own distinctive rank insignia.
Added by: GmasherPaul Smith's name badge from his reunions with his WWII unit, the 57th Fighter Group.