The pilot, 1st Lt. Francis Smedley, chose to stay with the burning plane while getting it away from the populated areas. This unselfish choice resulted in him having to attempt an extremely difficult departure from the plane that resulted in his death. Read eyewitness accounts from Belgian citizens as they watched the scenario unfold in the sky above them. Discover how the German soldiers recognized the American pilot's bravery and gave him a full military funeral.
