Staff Sergeant Henry E. "Red" Erwin

On April 12, 1945, Staff Sergeant Henry E. "Red" Erwin served as a radio operator aboard a B-29 Superfortress during a bombing mission over Japan. When a burning white phosphorus smoke grenade accidentally ignited inside the aircraft, Erwin grasped the blazing grenade with his bare hands and carried it through the aircraft despite suffering severe burns. He threw the grenade through an open window moments before it could ignite the aircraft's bomb load. His heroic actions saved the crew and aircraft, earning him the Medal of Honor.