James E. Smith 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 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
Caption
2nd Lieutenant James Smith in flight school, Luke Air Field, Arizona in spring of 1943. Where:
Luke Air Field, ArizonaWhen:
spring of 1943Ownership:
Public domain
Caption
1st Lieutenant Smith, in a photo taken after the war. He proudly wears his medals, including the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying CrossWhere:
UnknownWhen:
UnknownOwnership:
Public domain 
Caption
Ruthie's flight crew. Front left is Joseph Uporsky, Walter Webster, Edward ‘Whitey' Warren, Shorty Davis, Leroy Nicholson and J. L. Potter. Back row: LT Smith (Pilot), the bombardier (unknown), Joe LeBore (Navigator), and Leon Lanphear (Co-pilot). Where:
UnknownWhen:
UnknownOwnership:
Public domain
Caption
Photo taken while Private Smith was assigned to the field artillery, circa 1942. Where:
UnknownWhen:
circa 1942Ownership:
Public domain 
Caption
LT Smith with the ground crew for Ruthie, taken at Kimbolton Airfield, England. Where:
Kimbolton Airfield, England. When:
UnknownOwnership:
Public domain
Caption
A B-17 on a mission over Schweinfurt, Germany. Schweinfurt was Smith's first mission. Photo is from the National Archives World War II collection. Where:
Schweinfurt, GermanyWhen:
UnknownOwnership:
Public domain
Caption
An areal shot of Kimbolton Airfield, England, where LT Smith, a member of the 379th Bomb Group, was based. Where:
Kimbolton Airfield, EnglandWhen:
UnknownOwnership:
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Kimbolton for the photo source. Source citation is provided.