[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 9, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1564-S1565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO AIRMAN EARL SMITH

 Mr. TUBERVILLE. Mr. President, we will never fully 
understand--or know--the sacrifices our servicemembers make to keep us 
safe, both at home and abroad, like Airman First Class Earl Smith of 
Lincoln, AL. His story of heroism went untold for more than 50 years 
because of security reasons. His bravery and quick action prevented 
what could have been the worst nuclear disaster in history.
  Raised on a farm in Hatton, AL, Airman Smith and a friend decided on 
a whim to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after visiting a recruiting 
office in their local community. Always up for an adventure, Airman 
Smith decided to enroll in bomb disposal school after enlisting. He 
recalls his instructor's

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warning on the first day that you are only allowed one chance to mess 
up--because just one mistake could be fatal. Nine months after 
completing his training, his skills were put to the ultimate test while 
stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.
  On January 24, 1961, Airman Smith woke up to a midnight call telling 
him to report to the base as soon as possible. Without any protective 
gear or fully strapping up his boots, he arrived to the base, where he 
was then whisked away to the site of a B-52 plane crash 15 miles away. 
The plane was transporting two nuclear bombs reported to be 250 times 
more powerful than those used on Japan during World War II. Both bombs 
had fallen out of the plane during the crash, creating what is now 
reported as a 100-percent kill zone for surrounding communities.
  Upon arriving to the scene, he immediately noticed one of the bombs 
was activated. Despite a general ordering him not to touch the bomb 
until receiving permission from atomic support, Airman Smith knew that 
time was not on their side. Thankfully, he acted quickly to disengage 
the bomb, saving countless American lives.
  Airman Smith now proudly travels across Alabama speaking to local 
groups about his military service, which has now received national and 
global recognition. If you travel to Eureka, NC, there is a marker that 
says, ``Nuclear Mishap--widespread disaster averted.'' This is all 
thanks to Alabama's extraordinary hero--Earl Smith--who I am proud to 
recognize as May's ``Veteran of the Month.''

                          ____________________