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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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...

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

HONORS TO THIS MAN. INCREDIBLE actions.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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…

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

A true example of bravery.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

This is setting the measure for courage pretty damn high .

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

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

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.

Had the honor and pleasure to meet this man.

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

Great courage on his part

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

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

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!

Henry Eugene Erwin my uncle from 4 generations ago I never had the chance to meet him considering I was born years after he passed but it’s great to know I’m related to someone with such honor 🫡👍

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

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

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

Amazing story! This man was a true hero.

Wow! Thank you for sharing!

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...

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

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

Outstanding video and presentation

He certainly earned the CMH , very brave and unselfish man

Thank you for this!

We owe so much to great men like this ❤

Love your content you do great work!

Thanks for the great story on this hero!

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

These videos keep getting better and better. Great job!

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.

Brilliant. Loved it!!

Great video!

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.

A very interesting video as always. Great work!

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.

Very nice Video. fascinating story. Congratulations. Thanks.

Remarkable remarkable man. Stunning....

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 !

That's the definition of a hero.

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.

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

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

I’ve never heard about this, unbelievable stuff. What a boss!

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

War thunder 50k SL repair cost Footage caught? Amazing video btw

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

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.

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

Outstanding!

THANK YOU for THIS vid; we, the publicneeds to learn history like this..😃👍🏼👣

Incredible video

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

THANK YOU

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.

Wow! I've never heard that story. Amazing.

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.

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

Good night!! What a man!