Ramada Express Hotel-Casino
2121 S. Casino Drive
Laughlin, Nevada 89029

Speaker contact: Betty Martin
Phone 702 298-6246
Ramada Express publicist: Orchid Comitz
Phone: 7702 298-6231 fax: 702-298-6431

WWII flying cadet and radio operator of the B-29B Boomerang, to speak in the "Thanks for the Memories" program

Jim B. Smith, author of the book THE LAST MISSION will talk about the last B-29 missions flown over Japan after the Atomic Bombs were dropped. He'll speak in the "Back to the 1940s Museum" at the Ramada Express Hotel and Casino Pavilion, Laughlin, NV at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13.

Jim B. Smith served with the 20th Air Force, 315th bomb Wing (VH) based at Northwest Field, Guam in 1945. He flew ten missions over Japan and participated in the last mission--the mission that really ended WWII.

A tactical Mission report declassified in 1985 revealed the importance of that Mission. In one swoop, the last and the longest B-29 mission ever attempted from the Mariannas destroyed the largest oil production fields in Japan and greatly diminished their ability to make war. Overnight, the 315th also caused a blackout, which disrupted a palace revolt against the Emperor's peace initiatives and threw the rebellion off track. The last B-29s were returning to base when President Harry Truman announced the official Japanese surrender.

Smith, a professional writer, composer, and film actor, began his film career in 1950 with a leading role in the television movie, BATTLE SCENE, and was nominated for an Emmy. His debut as a film actor was followed with a role in the movie JET PILOT with John Wayne and Janet Leigh. Smith's first book was JONATHAN WINTERS AFTER THE BEEP. He then produced five Jonathan Winters comedy albums -- three were nominated for Grammy's (1989,1990, and 1992).

The author said: "All of my other credits pale when held up to THE LAST MISSION. It's the most ambitious and important work of my life."

Ramada Express Hotel and Casino Honors American heroes with a 4-screen, Multi-media presentation entitled ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES. The show salutes Veterans from WWII through Desert Storm. The "Back to the 1940's Museum of Memories" ON THE WINGS OF EAGLES SHOW and weekly speakers programs are presented free to the public. For information call 1-800-243-6846.

Ramada Express Hotel--Casino is part of Aztar Corporation, a publicity gaming company which also operates Tropicana Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Tropicana Casino & Resort in Atlantic City, Casino Aztar in Caruthersville, Missouri, and Casino Attar in Evansville, Indiana.

Return to The Last Mission for the whole story about Jim B. Smith and "The Last Mission."