Beyond Valor: A World War II Story of Extraordinary Heroism, Sacrificial Love, and a Race against Time

Summary

On April 12, 1945, a fleet of American B-29 bombers flew toward Japan. Their mission was simple: Stop World War II by burning the cities, factories, and military bases of the Japanese em­pire, thereby forcing an unconditional surrender. But it didn’t go as planned. Beyond Valor is one soldier’s extraordinary tale of bravery, faith, and devotion.

Onboard one of the B-29s, the City of Los Angeles, a phosphorus bomb detonated inside the plane. Staff Sergeant Henry E. “Red” Erwin absorbed the blast of burning phosphorus and managed to throw the still-flaming bomb overboard be­fore collapsing from the third-degree burns that covered his body.

Breaking protocol, the plane diverted to a military hospital at Iwo Jima. President Truman quickly ordered that Erwin be awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest honor of the American military.

Drawn from in-depth interviews with eyewitnesses and deep archival research, Beyond Valor tells the gripping story of Erwin’s life—from his upbringing in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama to his enduring commitment to supporting veterans. Beyond Valor gives you a front-row seat to Erwin’s amazing life and legacy. Along the way, you’ll learn:

• How Erwin’s childhood in Birmingham shaped his faith and his family

• How a split-second decision changed the course of his life

• The countless ways that Erwin chose to give back to his fellow veterans after he returned home

Beyond Valor is about more than that fateful day in April 1945. It’s a story of one man’s journey from the ultimate despair to a place beyond service, beyond honor, and beyond valor: a life illuminated by the light of God’s love.

Read by Jon Erwin and Zach Hoffman