The WBU Department of History and Political Science, along with its student Bancroft Society, are co-sponsoring a speaking event, “The Bombing of Japan in WWII,” on Tuesday, Feb. 12.  The speech by World War II veteran Clifford Smith will take place at the Wings of Honor WWII Museum, near the Williams campus.

Smith, now 97 years old, was a first lieutenant who saw major action in the skies of the Pacific Theater. At one point, he and his crew went down in the ocean and were rescued by submarine.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, six air medals and the Purple Heart.

Smith will be accompanied and assisted by Roy Wall, a 73rd Bomb Wing historian.

The speech begins at 6:00 p.m. on Feb. 12^th at the museum, which is located at 70 Beacon Road at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport.  The event is free and open to the public.