Master Sergeant Henry E. Erwin
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) B-29 Superfortress radio operator earned Medal of Honor

Background
John Harlan Willis was born May 8, 1921 in Adamsville, Alabama. Nicknamed "Red". Willis completed high school and worked in metal work.

Wartime History
On on July 27, 1942 enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve. In February 1943 called to active duty in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as an aviation cadet with serial number 14135542 but washed out of flight school. Instead, attended radio and mechanic technical schools at Keesler Field, Mississippi and Sioux Falls, South Dakota followed by further training at Truax Field in Wisconsin. By April 1944, he completed the radio mechanic and operator course.

Assigned to the Assigned to the 52nd Bombardment Squadron (52nd BS), 29th Bombardment Group (29th BG), 20th Air Force (20th AF). In August 1944 promoted to the rank of Corporal. In October 1944 promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In February 1945, sent overseas to the Mariana Islands as a radio operator aboard B-29 Superfortress heavy bombers. During March 1945 promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Mission History
On April 12, 1945 radio operator aboard a B-29 Superfortress on a bombing mission against a chemical plant at Koriyama in Japan. In addition to his duties as g radio operator on the lead plane of the group, he had the additional duty of dropping phosphorous smoke bombs to aid in assembling the group when the rendezvous point was reached. While launching a smoke bomb that was faulty, it exploded in the launching chute and shot back into the bomber causing him serious wounds and blinding him as smoke filled the fuselage. Although wounded, Erwin managed to throw the bomb away and saved his crew and the bomber.

Medal of Honor
For his actions April 12, 1945, Erwin earned the Medal of Honor. On April 19, 1945 while hospitalized at Fleet Hospital 103 on Guam bestowed the Medal of Honor by General Curtis LeMay and Major General Willis H. Hale. He also earned the Air Medal with oak leaf cluster for flying combat missions.

Medal of Honor "He was the radio operator of a B-29 airplane leading a group formation to attack Koriyama, Japan. He was charged with the additional duty of dropping phosphorus smoke bombs to aid in assembling the group when the launching point was reached. Upon entering the assembly area, aircraft fire and enemy fighter opposition was encountered. Among the phosphorus bombs launched by S/Sgt. Erwin, one proved faulty, exploding in the launching chute, and shot back into the interior of the aircraft, striking him in the face. The burning phosphorus obliterated his nose and completely blinded him. Smoke filled the plane, obscuring the vision of the pilot. S/Sgt. Erwin realized that the aircraft and crew would be lost if the burning bomb remained in the plane. Without regard for his own safety, he picked it up and feeling his way, instinctively, crawled around the gun turret and headed for the copilot's window. He found the navigator's table obstructing his passage. Grasping the burning bomb between his forearm and body, he unleashed the spring lock and raised the table. Struggling through the narrow passage he stumbled forward into the smoke-filled pilot's compartment. Groping with his burning hands, he located the window and threw the bomb out. Completely aflame, he fell back upon the floor. The smoke cleared, the pilot, at 300 feet, pulled the plane out of its dive. S/Sgt. Erwin's gallantry and heroism above and beyond the call of duty saved the lives of his comrades."

Postwar
During October 1945 promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant. On October 8, 1947 discharged from the military at Valley Forge General Hospital in Phoenixville, PA.

Memorials
Erwin passed away on January 16, 2002 at age 80 in Leeds, Alabama. He was buried with full military honors at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama at block 22.

References
NARA World War II Army Enlistment Records - Henry E. Erwin
Air Force Historical Support Division - MSgt Henry E Erwin
Congressional Medal of Honor Society - Henry Eugene "Red" Erwin (MOH citation)
FindAGrave - Henry Eugene “Red” Erwin Sr. (photo, grave photos)

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