Henry Eugene Erwin (1921 - 2002) - Find A Grave Memorial

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Henry Eugene Erwin

Birth:	May 8, 1921
Death:	Jan. 16, 2002
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Citation: Staff Sargeant Erwin was the radio operator of a B29 leading a group formation on an attack of Keriyawa Japan. He also was in charge of the phospherence bombs used to illuminate the drop area.One of those bombs exploded in the drop chute and shot back upwards directly into sgt Erwins face. His nose was burnt off immediately. The plane was filling up with acrid smoke. Realizing that the plane and crew would be lost, he grabbed the bomb, enduring intense pain and heat and headed for the only opening in the plane, the cockpit window. He ran into a table and switching the bomb to his other arm, unlatched the table and struggled to the cockpit. Blinded by the smoke and burns on his face, he reached the window and tossed it out. He fell to the floor completely aflame. The pilot regained control of the plane and headed to Iwo Jima. Sgt Erwin underwent 43 operations and to the amazement of everyone survived and lead a healthy productive life. Search Amazon for Henry Erwin Inscription: SSGT US ARMY AIR CORPS 52 BBSQD. 29TH BB GRP. 20TH AIR FORCE WORLD WAR II

Burial: Elmwood Cemetery Birmingham Jefferson County Alabama, USA
Maintained by: Find A Grave Originally Created by: Bobby Record added: Jul 06, 2003 Find A Grave Memorial# 7658512