Air Force Veteran Recalls WW2 Service

ATLANTA - An 86-year old Air Force veteran spent this Memorial Day remembering his service during World War II.

Marion Smith of northeast Atlanta had quite a story. He pointed to a photo of a B-17 bomber he flew in during World War II.

"They're all gone now but me. I'm the only one left. I'm right here," said Marion Smith

Smith was a mechanic, gunner and a radio operator, seated behind the pilots. As the only crew member still alive, Memorial Day is a time of mixed emotions.

"First of all, it means sadness for me, and secondly it means to me that I was a very lucky person to be able to go through this war and get back," said Smith.

He got back, got married -- had four kids -- and now has seven grandchildren. He also has a lot of World War II memories to think back on.

"A lot of people don't know if we hadn't won that war Hitler would have taken over England and come over here," said Smith.

As a part of the Eighth Air Force, Smith says he and his comrades had a unique mission that ultimately helped disable the man known as the Fuhrer.

"We bombed submarine plants, ball bearing factories, airplane factories that kept machinery running for them and toward the end Hitler did not have enough resources to keep those things going."

A lifetime of memories that seem like they were a lifetime ago, 67-years ago And today, Marion Smith remembers them all.

"That's me in my radio room. That's where I sat when we were not being hit.

Mister Smith says he is quite fond of that B-17 bomber. In fact, he's been working on some writings and more photos he'd love to share when he completes it.