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

Director and film producer Erwin recounts the experiences of his grandfather, staff sergeant Henry Eugene “Red” Erwin, during WWII in this thrilling biography. Red earned the Medal of Honor for his actions when a phosphorus bomb exploded in his B-29 Superfortress over Tokyo on Apr. 12, 1945. Blinded and burning, he grabbed the bomb and threw it out the window, saving the crew. The breathless drama aboard the massive aircraft, which recovered control after a fall to 300 feet and barely emergency landed on Iwo Jima, will tantalize readers with Red’s resolve, sense of duty, and the power of prayer. Generously supported by interviews with the flight crew, Erwin combines historical fact and anecdotal material to reveal Red’s religious devotion and profound patriotism. (He also offers a history of the Superfortress class of bombers.) Erwin’s research is keen on historical data and delivery of technical, medical, and emotional detail, and helps him make his case about the lasting effects of heroic actions on the lives of survivors. This is a miraculous story of tenacity under pressure and the optimistic power of faith. (Aug.)

Correction: An earlier version of this review failed to include the name of the book's coauthor.