Ssgt henry erwin biography of abraham lincoln author

Rank and organization: Staff Sergeant, U. Citation: He was the radio operator of a B airplane leading a group formation to attack Koriyama, Japan. He was charged with the additional duty of dropping phosphoresce 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.

Erwin, 1 proved faulty, exploding in the launching chute, and shot back into the interior of the aircraft, striking him in the face. The burning phosphoresce obliterated his nose and completely blinded him. Smoke filled the plane, obscuring the vision of the pilot. Erwin realized that the aircraft and crew would be lost if the burning bomb remained in the plane.

Ssgt henry erwin biography of abraham lincoln author: Henry Erwin carried a burning

Grasping the burning bomb between his forearm and body, he unleashed the spring lock and raised the table. Groping with his burning hands, he located the window and threw the bomb out. Completely aflame, he fell back upon the floor.