The Most Incredible World War II Story You've Never Heard - Henry Erwin's Medal of Honor

[@TJ3]

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[@barneydi2783]

Wow that was incredible - thanks you for sharing your research of such an incredible story

[@thekingsilverado8419]

Erwin actually found pack shovel off a pack and shoved the thing out the bomb bay door that was half opened. Not this BS story. There is no man that could handle a burning P Bomb as we called em in my day.. He found a shovel off a BAIL PACK for the Army and shoved the thing thru the half opened half closed door. He was more focused on the burns to himself and his face than being a total hero. His gloves did have severe burns and he chucked the original gloves for a pair in the same BAIL PACK where he got the shovel.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

🇺🇸

[@billt6116]

Actually, I had heard the story on Paul Harvey's Radio show. It wasn't a phosphorus bomb that exploded, It was a marker flare. During World War 2, The lead aircraft would drop a marker flare that gave following aircraft a target point. Clear Air turbulence caused it to push back into the aircraft. The rest of the story you got correct.

[@PJHEATERMAN]

He knew he was sacrificing his life. That he survived is amazing.

[@cuz129]

Wow, that's so inspiring. What a man. My dad suffered injuries in WWII on a ship. Truly the greatest generation!

[@raygiordano1045]

I recall my dad telling me about this act of extreme bravery when I was a little boy fascinated by WW2. That was 50 years ago, but I never forgot it. It's good that the memory is being kept alive.

[@JohnJohn-ij5bu]

My father flew 51 missions as the chief gunner in a RB-29 during the Korean war. (He flew 14 missions out of Italy in a B-24 during WW-II). On one night mission, the aircraft was loaded with 50 photo flash bombs of 500 million candle watt power. He went to check on the bomb load and the fuse of one of the bombs fell apart in his hands. It had something like 15 second delay before detonating. He hit the release button and dumped the whole bomb load. It turned out that they were over a Navy fuel tank farm in Japan. 50 photo flash bombs went off over the tank farm in the middle of the night turning night into day. There was no damage on the ground but it must have been impressive. The Navy wasn't happy but it wasn't like he had a choice.

[@GitaBrenner-mt4pe]

10:16

[@GitaBrenner-mt4pe]

My

[@GitaBrenner-mt4pe]

TV movie

[@GSMSfromFV]

Henry Erwin's story is highlighted in the 1951 movie, "The Wild Blue Yonder." Dave Sharpe portrays Erwin.

[@01ZO6TT]

Wow! Talk about courage and bravery, the whole idea of picking up something that hot knowing it is going to burn your flesh. All while your already on fire. Then to save the plane and everyone on board. I’ve never heard this story, thanks for sharing it and all your work on the videos. Keep them coming, I look forward to them.

[@TJ3]

Thank you!

[@logan_e]

I'm 61 and have always been closer to my grandparents generation than my own. My grandfather was in the Navy in WW2 and helped build the Hanford nuclear facility in Washington state but kept the secrets he knew until he passed. Red's story brings me to tears!

[@sc2070]

OMG man that is absolutely incredible! What a warrior. I have watched copious amounts of docs/stories on WW2 and this is one I have yet to see. So glad I watched this and thanks for posting! RIP Red. Absolute Legend.

[@theworldwariioldtimeradioc8676]

He lived a long life. I remember watching an interview with him the 50th anniversary of his heroism.

[@dogsplayingpoker2395]

I remember this story. Thank you for telling it. Godspeed Master Sergeant. Erwin, and thanks!!!

[@johnmcalexander7819]

Hey @tj3, just as an additional piece to the legacy of red Erwin, the 320th training squadron of the USAF has its barracks after him. Also, the challenge coins have his name and brief story on it. The reason I know this is because I passed through that squadron. It's great to see someone bringing this story to a wider audience. Great work sir.

[@TJ3]

Very cool! Thanks!

[@infocool4609]

My uncle, Vern Schiller, was the Flight Engineer on that fateful flight seated in between the cockpit crew (Pilot, Co-Pilot & Bombardier) and where Sgt. Erwin operated the radio . He assisted Sgt, Erwin to the window and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. Amazing men, and the courage of Sgt. Erwin is unparalleled. God Bless these warriors for freedom. RIP

[@tomjustis7237]

Two small mistakes. First, you say Red joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) which placed him in a steel mill where he learned to work with molten metal. While he may have worked in a steel mill at some time, it would NOT have been while he was with the CCC. As the name suggests, the Civilian Conservation Corps was used for conservation labor; rebuilding roads, restoring civil war battlefields, clearing areas after forest fires and similar work. Basically, the CCC provided work for those who could NOT find a job in depression era industry. (As a very old fart, my dad worked in the CCC during the depression and he told me that in addition to living in a military style barracks, half of his meager wages, as required, were automatically sent to his family to help support them. I also still have his "initial issue" box, a heavy cardboard box roughly 6X4X2 inches marked "CCC" which contained razor, razor blade container, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste. I still have the razor and razor blade container along with the box.) Additionally, at 8:49 you say that barely 300 feet above the ocean, Red regained control of the aircraft. Sorry, but no. The PILOT regained control of the aircraft. While Red's actions were beyond heroic, he was NOT flying the aircraft. Love your vids, but anyone can make a mistake.

[@faithstevens3424]

Also I dont understand why just because they couldn't see they decided to head for the ocean i would of thought they still could of kept it reasonably level. Also could he of thrown it out the open bomb bay doors? Why take it up near the pilots.

[@craigthescott5074]

My grandfather also worked with the CCC in Tucson I believe in the 1930’s. I have a black and white photo of him in a plain uniform and hat with a shovel. I thought he was in prison until I read about the CCC back then.

[@randykelso4079]

@@faithstevens3424 Faith, as I understand it, the smoke obscured the instrument panel and nobody could tell that the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude. Also, the bomb bay doors were not open at the time; the phosphorous bombs were deployed by dropping them down a chute which Red apparently could not locate after the bomb began producing the smoke, so he did the only thing he could. Also, as a personal favor to me, please stop using "of" where "have" is the correct word (i.e., ""would have" rather than "would of" and "could have" instead of "could of". That makes me cringe. Thank you).

[@faithstevens3424]

@@randykelso4079 haha duly noted I guess with a name like Randy you would do a lot of cringing. It would have been best if your parents could have picked a better name.

[@randykelso4079]

@@faithstevens3424 What would you suggest?

[@georgemacdonell2341]

One hell of a man. Isn't it amazing what some are capable of in times of need.

[@dadmanribbon9186]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS STORY!! I HAD HEARD OF THIS HERO'S ACTIONS 50 YEARS AGO, AND NOTHING SINCE---- UNTIL NOW!!

[@robert-trading-as-Bob69]

I have heard this story before, and it always gives me chills. I still can't believe he lived through that ordeal. A well presented story. Thank you.

[@RTFLDGR]

HONORS TO THIS MAN. INCREDIBLE actions.

[@davidgraskemper8518]

What an amazing story! I thought for sure his Medal of Honor would be given posthumously. Can't believe he survived.

[@anthonysmith3851]

As a child, I read about Red in a comic book and how he dumped the phosphorus bomb. At 86, I now get to see the hero from photographs, a truly magnificent man.

[@TJ3]

Very cool!

[@zen4men]

In such moments, time has no meaning, and one's mind moves to a higher level, enabling communication with higher beings, who guided Henry Erwin in pivotal moments of his life.

[@PontiacBanker]

Great story. I am the proud Grandson of a Bombardier/Navigator from the 73rd BW, 498th BG, 873rd BS who completed 30 missions over Japan in 1945 off of Saipan.

[@TJ3]

Very cool!

[@SaviorCross]

When one expedites a Medal of Honor request...in six hours...when it can take years.......you know you're the Truth. Gid bless him, and thank you for sharing this story...

[@kiwifruit27]

Incredible story, I had not heard it before. Thanks for sharing the story of a remarkable feat of courage

[@reedsilvesan2197]

I've never heard of a more courageous act. Incredible

[@johnhennery8820]

What a remarkable man and a remarkable thing he did to save his crew God bless him and I'm shure hes in heaven R.I.P thanks for sharing this with us it sent chill's up my back

[@gbro8822]

Wow, great video. Thank you TJ. Hey almost 75k subs, good for you.

[@TJ3]

Thanks 👍

[@Spitfiresammons]

Fantastic history TJ3 please do the history of the only 2 b-29s with 5 mig kills during the Korean War the dragon lady and the command decision.

[@KyleCowden]

My father was on B-29s right at the close of the war, then went to B-50s (fixed B-29s) in England. He loved that plane and had some great tales and had some adventures as the radio operator. Never saw combat in either but was the nuclear deterrent for several years. He did see combat in the Mosquito Squadron in Korea. Their C-47 Miss Minooki flew the slot between the artillery and the targets relaying what the FOs and FACs were calling in. He survived a crash on the final day of the war. The only fatality was the pilot who remained to "safety" the plane. Still have the photos around here somewhere.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Interesting way to describe the B-50. A "fixed" B-29. Okay. Other than their bad engines which was "fixed" during the war, what else needed fixing on the '29? Your dad's pilot was a hero.

[@KyleCowden]

@@plantfeeder6677 I don't remember everything he told me that was improved but fully reversible props was up there, longer legs and faster overall. He also talked about areas that were prone to fail under pressurization that were supposedly corrected on the 50. He still loved the 29. His pilot's decision to "safety the plane" sounds heroic. The crash was pilot error; a rolling takeoff without locking the tail wheel caused it to shimmy and induce a sideways skid. That skid caused the right main to blow before weight came off the wheels. Rather than abort, he tried to salvage the takeoff, stalled the plane causing it to crash through fence lines and bounce across railroad tracks. Dad said it was burning before they came to a stop. He likened it to breathing razor blades. I, who was not there, cannot imagine feeling the need to "safety" a burning plane. Nor do I know whether his decision and subsequent remaining in the aircraft was confusion from a head injury, an excuse to remain behind out of shame or finding he was unable to extract himself after the remaining crew had evacuated. My personal bias is toward the latter.

[@melianhoover1910]

@@plantfeeder6677 Actually,that B-29 motor caused many fire in the air. The machine guns didnt work as much nicelly as much supposed to,aircrew said,thatplane wouldnt have surived over Germany in 1943. Those motorfires destroyed more B-29,than the Japanese.

[@randyblackburn9765]

40 years ago I read the story about Red Erwin and how he saved the ‘ City Of Los Angeles ‘ and her crew

[@lukycharms9970]

What an absolute beast. I’ve never heard this story before. Great video! :)

[@cliffcampbell8827]

I salute you, Henry Erwin. You truely are what's the best in us.

[@i.r.wayright1457]

I have an Army friend who was in a DeHavilland Otter over the northern part of South Vietnam when a parachute flare ignited inside the rear of the fuselage. He managed to kick the burning canister out the door before it damaged the plane.

[@jonniez62]

Every Enlisted Airman knows this Air Force history. Ironically, the first Enlisted Air Force MOH was awarded for a similar incident in Vietnam.

[@scottrichardson8158]

Yes, and every officer also (as I can personally attest). But, there are differences. Levitow was not burned (at least to the degree as Erwin was) , Seriously wounded...yes.

[@carlllama6922]

Our eternal gratitude and salute to Red, a great and gallant warrior...

[@benheideveld4617]

What a guy!! Redefining epic courage! Open and shut case for Congressional Medal of Honor. 5-star General of the Army George C. Marshal was clearly awestruck…

[@paulocezarthiebaut2332]

What a example of courage, valour and honor! The world needs more men and women like this guy!

[@shirleylee2852]

Beautiful story! When people loved their country and countrymen so much, they would willingly give their lives for them, Also the Country recognized and respected the citizens especially the Warriors! I would love to see those times Returned.

[@mariusgrobler]

Wow, man! That is bravery on a next level.

[@gregmccartney5780]

Fantastic story of a selfless individual. Displayed all the prerequisites for the honours bestowed upon him.

[@teddcoleman8736]

What a man we need more like him RIP Good Sur 👍

[@vger4156]

Awesome story. Dad was in the CCC also but he cleared land and built roads. 😆😆😆 He joined the Navy but didn't have anything like that happen to him.

[@brian-te4xs]

I have the utmost respect to all our past and current service men and women. It is because of all these people we can be fortunate and have freedom and not live under oppression. Take care

[@RichadTheLionHeat]

Absolutely excellent historical event production. Thank you so very much. 👍🏻😎🙏🏻✝️🇺🇸🙏🏻✝️🇺🇸

[@tracysturgill9146]

I have heard this story before, but remains incredible even today !

[@mase7557]

According to his story, after throwing the flare window, he lay on the floor telling his crew mates how to treat his injuries. Remarkably strong and brave man!

[@winstonsmith478]

If a bomb had "detonated" inside a B-29, no one would survive. This incendiary bomb "deflagrated." No intent to minimize the heroism of this guy.

[@CA-kq9bh]

And, according to his MoH citation, he didn't pull up the plane. The pilot did. A true hero nevertheless.

[@janehill9764]

the phosphorus bomb would have eaten through the aluminum floor and fallen into the bomb bay, where the phosphorus material would have covered the bombs, detonating the regular payload irwin's aircraft was carrying. The bomber was still carrying a full bomb load when the accident occurred. the narrator means to say that the bombload would have detonated. Irwin knew that fact when he picked up the phosphorus bomb. read the squadron signal publication, 'the b-29 in action' ..there are two different b-29 publications, one of which carries the full story of red's heroism.

[@clendenenjames8804]

When I worked for sell in little Rock AR the terminal was close to terminal and one Saturday, at the airport I heard, a lot of noise and when I look up ,I saw a B29 fly over the first and only time I saw a B29 in flight it was great,I loved it,and Thank God I saw it

[@terryn8125]

Had the honor and pleasure to meet this man.

[@TJ3]

Very cool!

[@randygunn9499]

That is unbelievable!! A true warrior of the sky! A man of incredible strength of body and mind!.and one BADASS!!!!!

[@johnkirwin1010]

I met Mr. Erwin at a Dining Out when stationed at Plattsburgh AFB what a humble man

[@CP-012]

A true example of bravery.

[@johnlansing2902]

This is setting the measure for courage pretty damn high .

[@prodigy-hu6dy]

When I went through Air Force basic training I saw a bunch of hoodies with a B-29 titled “Red Erwin” on it. That’s where I first learned about Henry Erwin’s story. The 320th Training Squadron is located in the Master Sergeant Henry Erwin Training Complex at Lackland.

[@johnfoster535]

A reminder of the brave and painful.....sometimes horrific.....sacrifices made by young men in WWII, so that WE could live soft and cushy lives today. I am lucky to be here myself. My dad, a Navy combat air gunner in the South Pacific said, " You are LUCKY that my guns never jammed....or, you would be a PLANKTON in the bottom of the ocean ! " A toast to the memory of those courageous souls...

[@JUNKERS488]

Another Great Video TJ. Thanks for all the hard and passion, work It shows in all your videos. BTW: How do you like the new JU88C-6 on IL-2? I love the Bloody Biscay camo option. Have you ever read "Bloody Biscay" by Chris Goss? It's a great read and matches up with RAF loses making it as accurate as possible. It tells you about the daily operations of my favorite squadron KG40. They flew most of my favorite aircraft. They even flew one of the 10 JU88H-3 variants that were produced. Hope you have a great weekend.

[@TJ3]

Thanks Rick! Very cool. And I'm enjoying it! Have a great weekend as well.

[@schuylkillian]

Wow! Thank you for sharing!

[@louislopez55]

Great story. As a side note I bought one of those belts a couple years ago, they work very well and are durable. (At least the one I got) I bought the gun belt, which is stiffer. It takes a moment longer than a typical belt to undo it, but its nice to be able to cinch it up to just the right tightness. Belts with holes are always either too loose or too tight. I wonder how that airman kept his hands after holding something burning at over 1,000 degrees? Those must have been thick gloves.

[@TJ3]

Very cool! Agreed. I love mine.

[@neiltappenden1008]

He certainly earned the CMH , very brave and unselfish man

[@brokenbridge6316]

What a great story. Glad to know about it. Great video. Have a great day TJ3 History.

[@electricmaster23]

Thanks for teaching us about this in such a great way!

[@maxsmodels]

I met him in 1975 while I was attending Marion Military Institute when he and Admiral Thomas Moorer were inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Fame.

[@stevenlangdon-griffiths293]

A marvellous video that tells a marvellous story about an American hero. God bless him

[@LAR-hs2qt]

What bravery and stronge God-given will--certainly a hero, among heros.

[@josephwolosz2522]

It takes a team to launch an aircraft. Ground crews and air crews are responsible for safety and maintenance. This man had a dream to fly. He earned that privilege that day. And then some.

[@johnnicatra570]

Y Dad was a radio operator gunner on a B-17 . Georgia Rebel 381st Bomb Group and it was the first American bomber to crash in neutral Sweden.Thay was mission 8 when on to complete 35 total.

[@stevenlubick2689]

Great courage on his part

[@SGTSnakeUSMC]

Wow, that stuff melts through steel like it's butter.

[@SoCal780]

Amazing story! This man was a true hero.

[@tracysturgill9146]

Flare, not bomb! White phosphorus, or " willy pete" was also used in artillery. If hit by it, you might find yourself thrown to the ground and your buddy digging it out with a knife. It will burn as long it's exposed to air " oxygen ". I believe it's been banned as a weapon of war. More B-29's were lost due mechanical issues and accidents, than to enemy action. The R-3350 Wright engine was magnesium, and prone to catching fire. Once burning, it was hard to put out. I worked o "T - Square 54" at museum of flight in Seattle. I got to meet a pilot, who was on the March 9-10 mission where B-29's burned 16 square miles of Tokyo to the ground !

[@oldtrucker672]

We had Willy Peter cannisters in RVN. if you sat one on an engine block and lit it off it would burn a hole right through to the ground. Not a flare.

[@ronmartin3755]

This man and his generation truly were the Greatest Generation! My father was of this generation and he flew P 47s over Germany in WWII. He came home without scars or ever being shot down and would never talk about anything to do with WWII. When asked he would simply say, "I did my job to the best of my abilities and was lucky to return home" He would then turn around and leave the conservation and everyone knew that was the end of that discussion.

[@alganhar1]

I despise the 'Greatest Generation' trope because there is no such thing, despite what people may try to claim. The young of today are just as capable of such acts as the young of the 1940's, the difference is opportunity for those hidden traits, and flaws to come forward. Never forget for every tale of extreme valour there are dozens of tales of extreme cowardice... Something oft forgotten when people talk about the 'Greatest Generation.' The Ukraine should be shoving that into everyones face who brings up the Greatest Generation trope....

[@rickyhenry4958]

These videos keep getting better and better. Great job!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@daniellucas1494]

A true hero indeed - well done sir - as always.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Outstanding video and presentation

[@CalibanRising]

A very interesting video as always. Great work!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@mikecallahan8234]

This is why Henry Eugene Irwin's generation is the Greatest Generation. Uncommon valor and unequaled bravery in the face of danger.

[@raphaelrae8186]

My grandfather was the lead manager if the construction and testing of the B-29, among others.

[@justarandomguylol6481]

Yo! That opening was super cool! Keep it up my man!

[@TJ3]

Thanks! Will do!

[@DavidGilesColorado]

Love your content you do great work!

[@jeffac500]

I cant help but think of all the incredible stories from this war that have been lost by those who never made it home.

[@carolecarr5210]

Amazing. What men did extraordinary things and suffering so to give us our freedom. Thank every WW2 Veteran for our freedom.

[@vcv6560]

Story was included in the movie Wild Blue Yonder, 1951. Saw it on TV in my teens, late 70s pre home VCR days. Unfortunately it's still not available on DVD

[@kevinbowen8192]

Great video!!! Cool side note, it took Lieutenant Colonel Tibet’s recruiting WASP legends Dora Daughtery and Dorothea Moorman to demo the B29 after some “corrections” to give the boys the “cajones” to fly it after the haunting nature of the accidents. Can’t blame them after seeing that and the issues with Germany’s flying coffin, the HE-177. The B-29 was the Lady Bird and these women did an extraordinary job. Unfortunately, this was a different time and they were screwed on not being able to ferry Lady Bird to Europe, among other things.

[@TJ3]

Very cool! Thanks Kevin.

[@robertheinkel6225]

They did the same thing on the B-57.

[@janehill9764]

his name was red irwin. general curtis lemay , commander of all b-29 forces in the pacific theatre of operations, presented the medal of honor to a totally bandaged irwin and said to him twice : 'for above and beyond the call of duty'. also, red did not fly the b-29, as the video alleges.. the pilots were able to regain control of the aircraft, while red fell to the floor screamiing in agony. he screamed in and out of consciousness for the six hour flight back to tinian. in my opinion, red irwin is the bravest soldier in modern history.

[@michaelfitzgerald434]

Thank you for this!

[@estellemelodimitchell8259]

Thanks for the great story on this hero!

[@mirrorblue100]

I remember reading about this in Reader's Digest a million years ago - thanks.

[@badwolf7367]

This is why his generation is called The Greatest Generation. They lifted America out of the Great Depression, fought a war on 2 fronts and won. Then they went back quietly to civilian life and inspired the next generation to shoot for the moon. God, we sure need the likes of them now.

[@terryparish7133]

We owe so much to great men like this ❤

[@wildcolonialman]

Remarkable remarkable man. Stunning....

[@panzer_de_faust]

Idk how did he carried that hot bomb but it was a great episode.

[@TJ3]

Agreed. Just incredible.

[@mattheweagles5123]

A Flt Sgt I used to work with remembered watching a Nimrod on approach to land and thought "Why have they got the searchlight on in broad daylight?" It was in fact the marking flares blazing away. The pilot managed to get the aircraft down safely and all the crew were unhurt but the aircraft was destroyed.

[@jibeco]

Very nice Video. fascinating story. Congratulations. Thanks.

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@dBREZ]

That's the definition of a hero.

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

This is someone you would be honored to meet. His devotion to the crew was beyond words. He continued to devote himself to our country for the remainder of his life. You should research his remarkable recovery and life afterwards. It continues to be awe inspiring.

[@jakehickox7275]

I remember learning about this hero at school.

[@oldtrucker672]

We had Willy Peter cannisters in RVN. Used to suck the oxygen out of tunnel complexes and for destroying equipment, and to make smoke, etc. Grunt. Semper Fi.

[@kbnikto6056]

Really good story. Hey, my requested P-51 is briefly in this one! Short Fuse Sallee! Thanks!

[@theworldwariioldtimeradioc8676]

The story I heard was that the plane hit an air pocket which caused the flare to ricochet into the plane. An amazing feat.

[@briandoyle667]

Brilliant. Loved it!!

[@roedere]

Awesome hero! Just as a point of fact, it was the pilot the pulled the plane out of the dive once the smoke cleared since Henry was collapsed on floor after saving everyone’s life ejecting phosphoresce smoke bomb out copilot window.