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Beyond Valor: A World War II Story of Extraordinary Heroism, Sacrificial Love, and a Race against Time
Beyond Valor is one soldier’s extraordinary tale of bravery, heroism, faith, and devotion.
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. Yet the mission did not go as planned. On board 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 yet managed to throw overboard the still-flaming bomb, before collapsing from the third-degree burns over much of 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, before the young airman died of his wounds. There was just one problem: no Medals of Honor were available in the entire Pacific theater. General Curtis LeMay dispatched a squad of airmen on a 1,000-mile mission to smash their way into a display case and steal a medal to give to Erwin before time ran out.
Meanwhile, Red’s courageous young bride set out on her own mission, one of against-all-odds healing. Her success would determine the fate of the twenty-three-year-old warrior--and years later make possible the birth of the book's author: their grandson, Jon Erwin.
Drawn from in-depth interviews with eyewitnesses and deep archival research, Beyond Valor is an extraordinary tale of bravery, heroism, faith, and devotion.
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. Yet the mission did not go as planned. On board 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 yet managed to throw overboard the still-flaming bomb, before collapsing from the third-degree burns over much of 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, before the young airman died of his wounds. There was just one problem: no Medals of Honor were available in the entire Pacific theater. General Curtis LeMay dispatched a squad of airmen on a 1,000-mile mission to smash their way into a display case and steal a medal to give to Erwin before time ran out.
Meanwhile, Red’s courageous young bride set out on her own mission, one of against-all-odds healing. Her success would determine the fate of the twenty-three-year-old warrior--and years later make possible the birth of the book's author: their grandson, Jon Erwin.
Drawn from in-depth interviews with eyewitnesses and deep archival research, Beyond Valor is an extraordinary tale of bravery, heroism, faith, and devotion.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 23, 2025
“Prayer was as important to these young men as any weapon in their arsenal — a quiet strength they carried into the skies.”
BEYOND VALOR is an account of the American B-29 bomber fleet and its relentless campaign to bring Japan to its knees in the final year of World War II. Ostensibly, this slim book is about Sergeant Henry E. “Red” Erwin, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions aboard his bomber after a raid — actions that saved his entire crew. There is no doubt that Erwin was a true American hero, and, as the book emphasizes, a godly man and lifelong Christian. I appreciated the faith-based perspective from which his story is told.
That said, the book is just over 200 pages, and unfortunately, more than half of it is not focused on Erwin himself. Instead, the author, Erwin’s grandson, fills out the narrative with extended sections on General Curtis LeMay, the development and strategy of the B-29 fleet, and a variety of loosely connected historical elements. The appendix, which outlines seven moments when prayer may have influenced American history, is interesting but feels only tangentially related to the main story.
I listened to the audiobook version and found it enjoyable enough. The writing is accessible, the story quick-moving, and the inclusion of first-hand accounts gives it an immediacy I appreciated. However, it doesn’t rise to anything extraordinary. Overall, BEYOND VALOR is an average read for those interested in World War II history with a faith-driven angle. I have no regrets picking it up, but I wish it had stayed more focused in what it tried to cover.
BEYOND VALOR is an account of the American B-29 bomber fleet and its relentless campaign to bring Japan to its knees in the final year of World War II. Ostensibly, this slim book is about Sergeant Henry E. “Red” Erwin, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his extraordinary actions aboard his bomber after a raid — actions that saved his entire crew. There is no doubt that Erwin was a true American hero, and, as the book emphasizes, a godly man and lifelong Christian. I appreciated the faith-based perspective from which his story is told.
That said, the book is just over 200 pages, and unfortunately, more than half of it is not focused on Erwin himself. Instead, the author, Erwin’s grandson, fills out the narrative with extended sections on General Curtis LeMay, the development and strategy of the B-29 fleet, and a variety of loosely connected historical elements. The appendix, which outlines seven moments when prayer may have influenced American history, is interesting but feels only tangentially related to the main story.
I listened to the audiobook version and found it enjoyable enough. The writing is accessible, the story quick-moving, and the inclusion of first-hand accounts gives it an immediacy I appreciated. However, it doesn’t rise to anything extraordinary. Overall, BEYOND VALOR is an average read for those interested in World War II history with a faith-driven angle. I have no regrets picking it up, but I wish it had stayed more focused in what it tried to cover.
August 28, 2024
There were longer portions that lost my attention when the book diverted from the actual story with stats and specs, etc. But the incredible feat of love and heroism has got to keep it at 4 stars. I am always intensely inspired and challenged by stories of this kind of man, who did what he did - an act of indescribable courage - because of the love that was in him, for his brothers in arms, for his country, for his God.
"Red" Erwin's entire life, not just the feat that led to his near death and earning of the Medal of Honor, is something I long to attain. It was one of self-sacrifice, selfless love, devotion to his Savior, dedication to his family. We need men like that today.
"Red" Erwin's entire life, not just the feat that led to his near death and earning of the Medal of Honor, is something I long to attain. It was one of self-sacrifice, selfless love, devotion to his Savior, dedication to his family. We need men like that today.
June 1, 2025
Inspiring
Jon Erwin and William Doyle’s Beyond Valor: A World War II Story of Extraordinary Heroism, Sacrificial Love, and a Race against Time tells the true story of Erwin’s grandfather, Henry Eugene “Red” Erwin, who saved his B-29 crew during a bombing raid over Tokyo and the personal battle that followed. This is the story of overcoming incredible odds. Red never considered himself a hero, but he was awarded the Medal of Honor and was known as a hero for the rest of his life. He stated that he only did what any serviceman would do. Real heroes are the ones who give the ultimate sacrifice. Red credits his faith in God, the love and support of his wife, and his fellow crewmembers for getting him through his agonizing recovery after that perilous day on 12 April 1945.
I enjoyed the book but found it difficult to follow the storyline at times. Overall, the account of a true American hero was well done and a worthwhile read. Beyond Valor is an extraordinary true story of bravery, heroism, faith, and devotion. It will inspire anyone who has ever served, anyone serving today, or anyone who is trying to overcome unspeakable odds.
Jon Erwin and William Doyle’s Beyond Valor: A World War II Story of Extraordinary Heroism, Sacrificial Love, and a Race against Time tells the true story of Erwin’s grandfather, Henry Eugene “Red” Erwin, who saved his B-29 crew during a bombing raid over Tokyo and the personal battle that followed. This is the story of overcoming incredible odds. Red never considered himself a hero, but he was awarded the Medal of Honor and was known as a hero for the rest of his life. He stated that he only did what any serviceman would do. Real heroes are the ones who give the ultimate sacrifice. Red credits his faith in God, the love and support of his wife, and his fellow crewmembers for getting him through his agonizing recovery after that perilous day on 12 April 1945.
I enjoyed the book but found it difficult to follow the storyline at times. Overall, the account of a true American hero was well done and a worthwhile read. Beyond Valor is an extraordinary true story of bravery, heroism, faith, and devotion. It will inspire anyone who has ever served, anyone serving today, or anyone who is trying to overcome unspeakable odds.
August 29, 2020
I received a final edition, early release copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.
"...heroism isn't born in a moment but in the lifetime leading up to that moment. Whatever is in the character of these heroes manifests itself in moments of extreme pressure, and acts of courage, like Medal of Honor actions, are often acts of pure self-sacrifice and love." -pg 159
This is a top notch story with a lot to love. The story itself is definitely a 4-5 star one and is so much more than the synopsis reveals. Yes, the basic premise is the event that led to Henry "Red" Erwin's receipt of the Medal of Honor, an event that occurs during the highly successful and devastating blow to Japan in WWII. Operation Meetinghouse was the low altitude, single formation, nighttime air raid on Tokyo - it is during this raid that a phosphorus bomb gets stuck in the chute and blows back in Red's face setting him on fire and filling the cockpit with smoke. However it is all of the details within and around that event that really captured my attention. I don't particularly enjoy combat novels, and so I was a little reluctant to read this one, but while there, it is not a ton of actual combat and I thought what was there was very engaging. I found all the other tidbits of history extremely interesting and the author really digs into what the Medal of Honor means and how it impacts those few who survive and receive it - mentally and socially.
There are a lot of interesting facts on the creation of the B29 planes used in WWII and some of the problems faced with bombing due to the jet stream at such a high elevation. There is a discussion of civilian killing in wartime that I found extremely engaging. There is some background into the American victory at Iwo Jima and the direct purpose for wanting to take Iwo Jima that I was unaware of - and some discussion as to whether or not that was worth the American lives lost. Yet it was that victory which ultimately led to saving Red's life because there was an American war hospital that had just been put into place that he was able to be taken to.
Because I am a scientist, the most fascinating aspect of this novel for me was how phosphorus bombs work and the chemical reaction of phosphorus and oxygen and what that meant for Red who had the phosphorus burned into his skin. The medical aspect of burn treatment and the evolution of that treatment from 1945 through the present was also discussed.
There is a large Christian and faith-based element to this story as well. For the most part the religious aspect was well incorporated and relevant. There was only one point where I thought it got to be a little much.
Unfortunately, as good as the story was, the writing was not great. There were some weird, unrelated facts "thrown into" the story that I thought were unnecessary with the most bothersome being the mention of FDR's mistress. It served absolutely no purpose but to slander FDR in my opinion. There was also SO MUCH repetitiveness and repeating of EXACT phrases, sentences and quotes. I actually think the author may have been cutting and pasting because there was so much of this. It should be noted that the author is the grandson of Red Erwin and he is not necessarily a writer, but a film director. The author's bio does indicate this story is being developed into a major motion picture.
"...heroism isn't born in a moment but in the lifetime leading up to that moment. Whatever is in the character of these heroes manifests itself in moments of extreme pressure, and acts of courage, like Medal of Honor actions, are often acts of pure self-sacrifice and love." -pg 159
This is a top notch story with a lot to love. The story itself is definitely a 4-5 star one and is so much more than the synopsis reveals. Yes, the basic premise is the event that led to Henry "Red" Erwin's receipt of the Medal of Honor, an event that occurs during the highly successful and devastating blow to Japan in WWII. Operation Meetinghouse was the low altitude, single formation, nighttime air raid on Tokyo - it is during this raid that a phosphorus bomb gets stuck in the chute and blows back in Red's face setting him on fire and filling the cockpit with smoke. However it is all of the details within and around that event that really captured my attention. I don't particularly enjoy combat novels, and so I was a little reluctant to read this one, but while there, it is not a ton of actual combat and I thought what was there was very engaging. I found all the other tidbits of history extremely interesting and the author really digs into what the Medal of Honor means and how it impacts those few who survive and receive it - mentally and socially.
There are a lot of interesting facts on the creation of the B29 planes used in WWII and some of the problems faced with bombing due to the jet stream at such a high elevation. There is a discussion of civilian killing in wartime that I found extremely engaging. There is some background into the American victory at Iwo Jima and the direct purpose for wanting to take Iwo Jima that I was unaware of - and some discussion as to whether or not that was worth the American lives lost. Yet it was that victory which ultimately led to saving Red's life because there was an American war hospital that had just been put into place that he was able to be taken to.
Because I am a scientist, the most fascinating aspect of this novel for me was how phosphorus bombs work and the chemical reaction of phosphorus and oxygen and what that meant for Red who had the phosphorus burned into his skin. The medical aspect of burn treatment and the evolution of that treatment from 1945 through the present was also discussed.
There is a large Christian and faith-based element to this story as well. For the most part the religious aspect was well incorporated and relevant. There was only one point where I thought it got to be a little much.
Unfortunately, as good as the story was, the writing was not great. There were some weird, unrelated facts "thrown into" the story that I thought were unnecessary with the most bothersome being the mention of FDR's mistress. It served absolutely no purpose but to slander FDR in my opinion. There was also SO MUCH repetitiveness and repeating of EXACT phrases, sentences and quotes. I actually think the author may have been cutting and pasting because there was so much of this. It should be noted that the author is the grandson of Red Erwin and he is not necessarily a writer, but a film director. The author's bio does indicate this story is being developed into a major motion picture.
February 3, 2022
A compelling story of an amazing Medal of Honor winner. Text jumps from one related idea to another...sometimes losing the train of the story of his grandfather, Red Erwin.
February 26, 2024
Five stars for Red's heroism, but the book itself was lacking. It jumped topics multiple times, and I wish it had focused more on Red's story.
September 7, 2023
A decent story about a veteran and his faith, engaging story and world war II. Claims to be a Christian book but would be more accurately considered a book about a vaguely Christian sense of spirituality. It failed to adequately discuss the reconciliation of the main characters faith with the ruthless firebombing of Japanese civilians.
April 5, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: I’D RATHER WEAR THAT MEDAL THAN BE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES – HARRY TRUMAN
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This is the amazing… inspiring… agony filled… spiritual… heart rending… soul searching… patriotic pride bursting… war and love story… of the late MEDAL-OF-HONOR recipient… Staff Sergeant Henry E. “Red” Erwin.
This is not only one of the greatest… “near-perfect”… books I’ve read in the last decade… but as an **HONORABLY*DISCHARGED*VIET*NAM*ERA*VETERAN** this story makes me even prouder that I served my country. It also reinforces in me… and magnifies how totally overused the term “HERO” is! If you want to learn the true definition of the word “HERO” … believe me… you must read this book!
The co-authors Jon Erwin and William Doyle have created as wonderful a story that can be written and documented… that touches every nerve… every heart string… every tear activating apparatus in your mind and body… without ever pulling a punch about the true realities of war. With all the horrors… also must come pride and dedication… AND SACRIFICE… for your country… for humanity… and down at the very front lines of the battles in hell… you must be willing to put your own life on the line… for your “BROTHERS-IN-ARMS”! Whether you’re a dove or a hawk… and whether you like it or not… that is the grim… AND… beauty of war.
It should… and must be noted that one of the authors… Jon Erwin… is the grandson of World War II HERO and MEDAL-OF-HONOR recipient Red Erwin. And here’s the first… and everlasting uniqueness of this book. This is not a puff piece by a grandson blindly eulogizing his Grandfather. Jon was nineteen-years-old when his Grandfather died and at the funeral he couldn’t fully comprehend why the whole town stopped in its tracks for his Grandfather’s funeral. He couldn’t understand the police escorts… the closed off ramps… the jets overhead… the buglers standing without complaint in the cold rain. He knew his Grandfather won something called the MEDAL-OF-HONOR… but didn’t know hardly anything about it… its cost… its meaning. He realized there were so many questions he should have asked his disfigured… burn scarred… Grandfather when he had the chance. He did remember his Grandfather once leaning over to him and telling him… **FREEDOM-ISN’T-FREE!**
So starts an investigation… that is so finely documented… that the reader is blessed with unique views of World War II… especially the infamous B-29 fire-bombing runs on Tokyo and Japan. The reader will feel the heat of the flames… on what was most likely the largest fire storm in the history of the planet. You’ll know what it was like to be in a B-29 bomber as even the seasoned pilots and Generals had no idea of the effects of height… heat… massive explosions… uncharted jet streams… you’ll also literally feel the heat and unrivaled destruction in human and commercial terms on the receiving end of the historic fire-bombing attacks by America.
The reader will also… with (I guarantee) tears in their eyes learn why Red Erwin received the MEDAL-OF-HONOR. It is almost incomprehensible what he did in the midst of war…on April 12, 1945 to not only save all the men on his B-29… but most likely the lives of many other B-29’s that were following behind in formation. What Red did… could not have been accomplished without his deep and lifelong belief in G-d… and it is almost non-debatable… that during that moment-in-time… and moment-of-truth… when he was literally being burnt to death…”at over 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, more than six and a half times the temperature of boiling water”… he said…”LORD, I NEED YOUR HELP NOW.”
This story is not only about his above and beyond heroic act… it’s also about the excruciating pain of making a recovery no one thought possible… you will be touched in ways hard to describe as doctors used almost prehistoric treatments… many of them… now known to have been the wrong thing to do.
Most MEDALS-OF-HONOR approvals take years… decades… or longer… to be approved. Red’s went through the pentagon… and to Harry Truman’s desk and signed in six-and-a-half-hours. “It is believed to be the fastest approval in modern history for the MEDAL-OF-HONOR!” They wanted to get it presented to Red before he died. Against every odd in the world… Red’s perseverance and strong belief in G-d… enabled him to live for another fifty-seven-years! All with his beloved and dedicated wife Betty by his side. Red admits there were times he wanted to die… and when you read what years long excruciating unbearable pain he went through… you’ll understand. But then he prayed to live.
During terrible times recovering when he made it back to the states he got a visit from Helen Keller who was then sixty-four. “When Keller met Red at his bedside and heard his story, she was moved to tears and gave Red a memory he cherished for the rest of his life. The next day she dictated a letter to him:”
You will have to read the book to see what she dictated. I challenge you to read this part of the book without tears. I had to put the book down and walk away for a while.
The author’s tell you how all of Red’s flight crew finished their lives… and also what the famous upper echelon officers that are literally a who’s who of World War II did next. They say this book is going to be made into a movie… and well it should. I’ve always said that no movie is as good as the book… and I still believe that. I hope this movie relies on real acting and feelings and less on what is now common place CGI. This story needs to be “FELT” in another media in addition to the written market… but it’s the feeling… and belief… and sacrifice… and pain… that needs to be transmitted… not fluff from CGI.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the amazing… inspiring… agony filled… spiritual… heart rending… soul searching… patriotic pride bursting… war and love story… of the late MEDAL-OF-HONOR recipient… Staff Sergeant Henry E. “Red” Erwin.
This is not only one of the greatest… “near-perfect”… books I’ve read in the last decade… but as an **HONORABLY*DISCHARGED*VIET*NAM*ERA*VETERAN** this story makes me even prouder that I served my country. It also reinforces in me… and magnifies how totally overused the term “HERO” is! If you want to learn the true definition of the word “HERO” … believe me… you must read this book!
The co-authors Jon Erwin and William Doyle have created as wonderful a story that can be written and documented… that touches every nerve… every heart string… every tear activating apparatus in your mind and body… without ever pulling a punch about the true realities of war. With all the horrors… also must come pride and dedication… AND SACRIFICE… for your country… for humanity… and down at the very front lines of the battles in hell… you must be willing to put your own life on the line… for your “BROTHERS-IN-ARMS”! Whether you’re a dove or a hawk… and whether you like it or not… that is the grim… AND… beauty of war.
It should… and must be noted that one of the authors… Jon Erwin… is the grandson of World War II HERO and MEDAL-OF-HONOR recipient Red Erwin. And here’s the first… and everlasting uniqueness of this book. This is not a puff piece by a grandson blindly eulogizing his Grandfather. Jon was nineteen-years-old when his Grandfather died and at the funeral he couldn’t fully comprehend why the whole town stopped in its tracks for his Grandfather’s funeral. He couldn’t understand the police escorts… the closed off ramps… the jets overhead… the buglers standing without complaint in the cold rain. He knew his Grandfather won something called the MEDAL-OF-HONOR… but didn’t know hardly anything about it… its cost… its meaning. He realized there were so many questions he should have asked his disfigured… burn scarred… Grandfather when he had the chance. He did remember his Grandfather once leaning over to him and telling him… **FREEDOM-ISN’T-FREE!**
So starts an investigation… that is so finely documented… that the reader is blessed with unique views of World War II… especially the infamous B-29 fire-bombing runs on Tokyo and Japan. The reader will feel the heat of the flames… on what was most likely the largest fire storm in the history of the planet. You’ll know what it was like to be in a B-29 bomber as even the seasoned pilots and Generals had no idea of the effects of height… heat… massive explosions… uncharted jet streams… you’ll also literally feel the heat and unrivaled destruction in human and commercial terms on the receiving end of the historic fire-bombing attacks by America.
The reader will also… with (I guarantee) tears in their eyes learn why Red Erwin received the MEDAL-OF-HONOR. It is almost incomprehensible what he did in the midst of war…on April 12, 1945 to not only save all the men on his B-29… but most likely the lives of many other B-29’s that were following behind in formation. What Red did… could not have been accomplished without his deep and lifelong belief in G-d… and it is almost non-debatable… that during that moment-in-time… and moment-of-truth… when he was literally being burnt to death…”at over 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit, more than six and a half times the temperature of boiling water”… he said…”LORD, I NEED YOUR HELP NOW.”
This story is not only about his above and beyond heroic act… it’s also about the excruciating pain of making a recovery no one thought possible… you will be touched in ways hard to describe as doctors used almost prehistoric treatments… many of them… now known to have been the wrong thing to do.
Most MEDALS-OF-HONOR approvals take years… decades… or longer… to be approved. Red’s went through the pentagon… and to Harry Truman’s desk and signed in six-and-a-half-hours. “It is believed to be the fastest approval in modern history for the MEDAL-OF-HONOR!” They wanted to get it presented to Red before he died. Against every odd in the world… Red’s perseverance and strong belief in G-d… enabled him to live for another fifty-seven-years! All with his beloved and dedicated wife Betty by his side. Red admits there were times he wanted to die… and when you read what years long excruciating unbearable pain he went through… you’ll understand. But then he prayed to live.
During terrible times recovering when he made it back to the states he got a visit from Helen Keller who was then sixty-four. “When Keller met Red at his bedside and heard his story, she was moved to tears and gave Red a memory he cherished for the rest of his life. The next day she dictated a letter to him:”
You will have to read the book to see what she dictated. I challenge you to read this part of the book without tears. I had to put the book down and walk away for a while.
The author’s tell you how all of Red’s flight crew finished their lives… and also what the famous upper echelon officers that are literally a who’s who of World War II did next. They say this book is going to be made into a movie… and well it should. I’ve always said that no movie is as good as the book… and I still believe that. I hope this movie relies on real acting and feelings and less on what is now common place CGI. This story needs to be “FELT” in another media in addition to the written market… but it’s the feeling… and belief… and sacrifice… and pain… that needs to be transmitted… not fluff from CGI.
November 15, 2020
john Erwin has written a good book but it could have been much more better if he spent more time on Red irwin then giving us a for dummies history of WW2. We get Red's story but he seems to be a part of the larger story when he should have been THE story. I would have loved to learn more about his recovery and how he overcame the judgement of a very judgmental era. For example we learn he had to write using his left hand and then move on to the next scene. I would have loved to hear more about how he did this since it would have been more inspiration then learning about Curtis LeMay.
This is a very good book but it can't decide if it wants to be a WW2 history book or an inspirational story It comes up short being an amazingly inspirational story and that's to bad.
This is a very good book but it can't decide if it wants to be a WW2 history book or an inspirational story It comes up short being an amazingly inspirational story and that's to bad.
October 14, 2020
Beyond Valor is the extraordinary story of a World War II hero, Red Ewin, who put himself in harms way to save the lives of everyone on his B-29. Told by his grandson Jon Erwin, Beyond Valor tells the story of Red and how he became a Medal of Honor recipient. When a phosphorus flare malfunctions and shoots back into their B-29, Red is immediately badly injured. He still finds the strength to carry the flaming bomb while on fire 30 feet to throw it out the window and save everyone on his plane. His faith had him immediately pray for God’s help and through the guidance of God, he was able to make his heroic rescue. As he lay afterwards on what was thought to be his death bed, the new President Truman awarded him the Medal of Honor. There were none available in the area and they wanted to get one to him before he died. Another crew flew to Hawaii, smashed open a display case to take a Medal of Honor to get it back in time.
I loved Red’s faith, his love for her wife Betty, and his family. I love that Betty stuck by his side after his horrific injuries and years of surgery afterwards. I also loved that before the war, Red was a hard worker that had to take care of his mother and siblings after his father’s untimely death. He also found the time to be a youth minister at his church. After the war, he continued to live a good life and tried to help as many people as he could. He felt he had to live up to being a Medal of Honor recipient.
Beyond Valor also digs into the history and tells a fascinating story with details. I learned so many new things about B-29s, the firebombing of Tokyo, the start of Harry Truman’s Presidency, the Medal of Honor, the treatment of veterans, and much, much more. I loved that it took a look into the ethics of war on both sides of the conflict. Curtis May had some deep thoughts saying, “Killing Japanese didn’t bother me much at the time. I suppose if I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal. Luckily I was on the winning side.” He admitted to thinking of the horrific things that were happening in Japan, but he observed that to “in order to do your job and keep your sanity, you had to banish such thoughts from your brain.” It was really interesting to think about.
This was a very human story. I loved that it started by Jon Erwin being at his grandfather’s funeral and wondering what exactly he had done to get such a send off and what exactly being a Medal of Honor winner entailed. He took a deep dive into history to figure it out and really learn about his grandfather.
I have loved reading about World War II in both non-fiction and fiction since I was a kid, and I’ve especially loved the airplanes from the war. I personally thought this was a very fascinating true story.
Favorite Quotes:
“Many Medal of Honor recipients have gone on to live lives of great distinction and fulfillment, but others have been burdened by the recognition . . . some embrace the role of Medal of Honor recipient, spending their lives speaking to civic groups, raising money for charities, and hobnobbing with movie stars, politicians, and professional athletes. Others resent having their private grief turned into public display.”
“You know, looking back on that, I think, no, that took an extraordinary amount of willpower to do that, and I don’t know whether I would have been able to do it. He didn’t just save twelve people, he saved generations of people.” – Navigator Pershing Youngkin
“The true measure of a hero is really not necessarily the gallantry of his action, but essentially how he lives out the rest of his life after all of the attention and glory have faded away.”
“Red often explained how the intervention of God made it possible and that’s the only explanation that makes sense to me.”
“There are only about seventy Medal of Honor recipients who are alive today. My fear is that your generation is losing sight of what the Medal of Honor means and why it matters. You should tell them that story. Tell them the idea of doing more than is required of you is part of the American ethos, and it is exemplified in the Medal of Honor. It’s part of what makes us Americans. You don’t have to be a soldier and on the field of battle to go above and beyond the call of duty.”
“So, the best thing to do is always make the best of what you have. Life is what you make it. Life is beautiful.”
Overall, Beyond Valor is a fascinating non-fiction story of a great man, how he impacted history, and how faith brought him through it all.
Book Source: Review Copy from Thomas Nelson for being on the TLC Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
I loved Red’s faith, his love for her wife Betty, and his family. I love that Betty stuck by his side after his horrific injuries and years of surgery afterwards. I also loved that before the war, Red was a hard worker that had to take care of his mother and siblings after his father’s untimely death. He also found the time to be a youth minister at his church. After the war, he continued to live a good life and tried to help as many people as he could. He felt he had to live up to being a Medal of Honor recipient.
Beyond Valor also digs into the history and tells a fascinating story with details. I learned so many new things about B-29s, the firebombing of Tokyo, the start of Harry Truman’s Presidency, the Medal of Honor, the treatment of veterans, and much, much more. I loved that it took a look into the ethics of war on both sides of the conflict. Curtis May had some deep thoughts saying, “Killing Japanese didn’t bother me much at the time. I suppose if I had lost the war, I would have been tried as a war criminal. Luckily I was on the winning side.” He admitted to thinking of the horrific things that were happening in Japan, but he observed that to “in order to do your job and keep your sanity, you had to banish such thoughts from your brain.” It was really interesting to think about.
This was a very human story. I loved that it started by Jon Erwin being at his grandfather’s funeral and wondering what exactly he had done to get such a send off and what exactly being a Medal of Honor winner entailed. He took a deep dive into history to figure it out and really learn about his grandfather.
I have loved reading about World War II in both non-fiction and fiction since I was a kid, and I’ve especially loved the airplanes from the war. I personally thought this was a very fascinating true story.
Favorite Quotes:
“Many Medal of Honor recipients have gone on to live lives of great distinction and fulfillment, but others have been burdened by the recognition . . . some embrace the role of Medal of Honor recipient, spending their lives speaking to civic groups, raising money for charities, and hobnobbing with movie stars, politicians, and professional athletes. Others resent having their private grief turned into public display.”
“You know, looking back on that, I think, no, that took an extraordinary amount of willpower to do that, and I don’t know whether I would have been able to do it. He didn’t just save twelve people, he saved generations of people.” – Navigator Pershing Youngkin
“The true measure of a hero is really not necessarily the gallantry of his action, but essentially how he lives out the rest of his life after all of the attention and glory have faded away.”
“Red often explained how the intervention of God made it possible and that’s the only explanation that makes sense to me.”
“There are only about seventy Medal of Honor recipients who are alive today. My fear is that your generation is losing sight of what the Medal of Honor means and why it matters. You should tell them that story. Tell them the idea of doing more than is required of you is part of the American ethos, and it is exemplified in the Medal of Honor. It’s part of what makes us Americans. You don’t have to be a soldier and on the field of battle to go above and beyond the call of duty.”
“So, the best thing to do is always make the best of what you have. Life is what you make it. Life is beautiful.”
Overall, Beyond Valor is a fascinating non-fiction story of a great man, how he impacted history, and how faith brought him through it all.
Book Source: Review Copy from Thomas Nelson for being on the TLC Book Tour.
This review was first posted on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2020...
July 15, 2023
"Red Erwin described the experience as 'hours of boredom mixed with moments of sheer terror.'"
I have so many book reviews to catch up on! It looks like I've been reading this book for almost two months (nope), but I've been so caught up in assignments and such that I forgot to log all the books I read. [insert panicked screaming]
But also: first book review that isn't five stars. Although four stars is close.
It's the 12th of April, 1945. It's also the day it changed Red Erwin's life forever.
A fleet of American B-29 bombers flew toward Japan. Their mission was simple: force Japan to surrender by burning down their cities, factories, and military bases.
Only the mission doesn't go as planned.
On board one of these magnificent planes, a bomb detonates in the plane. The Staff Sergeant Henry E. "Red" Erwin absorbs the most of the blast, then, while on fire, somehow throws the bomb overboard, before collapsing with severe (as in, truly truly severe) burns all over his body.
"But something went terribly wrong. Instead of falling out of the plane, the phosphorus bomb backfired and ricocheted up the chute, possibly after slamming into a stuck valve."
The B-29 plane, called The City of Los Angeles, quickly breaks protocol and diverts to a military hospital at Iwo Jima. It's quickly ordered that Red Erwin be awarded the Medal of Honor before he dies from his wounds. Unfortunately, there aren't any Medals of Honor available in the entire Pacific area!
I have to say, there are several reasons why I lowered my rating from five stars to four stars:
- More was told than shown, in my opinion.
- The story went very, very, verrrrry slowly. It took over sixty pages to even reach the herald of the story. That is, I'm afraid, a little too slow to catch my attention.
- I couldn't find this as interesting as I'd hoped because I didn't understand a lot of it.
But still, wonderful story! I don't think I've ever read a book that was quite the same.
"From a hill overlooking downtown Tokyo, German Catholic priest Gustav Bitter gazed completely spellbound at the infernal spectacle. 'They came in majesty,' he wrote of the American bombers, 'like kings of the Earth.'"
I have so many book reviews to catch up on! It looks like I've been reading this book for almost two months (nope), but I've been so caught up in assignments and such that I forgot to log all the books I read. [insert panicked screaming]
But also: first book review that isn't five stars. Although four stars is close.
It's the 12th of April, 1945. It's also the day it changed Red Erwin's life forever.
A fleet of American B-29 bombers flew toward Japan. Their mission was simple: force Japan to surrender by burning down their cities, factories, and military bases.
Only the mission doesn't go as planned.
On board one of these magnificent planes, a bomb detonates in the plane. The Staff Sergeant Henry E. "Red" Erwin absorbs the most of the blast, then, while on fire, somehow throws the bomb overboard, before collapsing with severe (as in, truly truly severe) burns all over his body.
"But something went terribly wrong. Instead of falling out of the plane, the phosphorus bomb backfired and ricocheted up the chute, possibly after slamming into a stuck valve."
The B-29 plane, called The City of Los Angeles, quickly breaks protocol and diverts to a military hospital at Iwo Jima. It's quickly ordered that Red Erwin be awarded the Medal of Honor before he dies from his wounds. Unfortunately, there aren't any Medals of Honor available in the entire Pacific area!
I have to say, there are several reasons why I lowered my rating from five stars to four stars:
- More was told than shown, in my opinion.
- The story went very, very, verrrrry slowly. It took over sixty pages to even reach the herald of the story. That is, I'm afraid, a little too slow to catch my attention.
- I couldn't find this as interesting as I'd hoped because I didn't understand a lot of it.
But still, wonderful story! I don't think I've ever read a book that was quite the same.
"From a hill overlooking downtown Tokyo, German Catholic priest Gustav Bitter gazed completely spellbound at the infernal spectacle. 'They came in majesty,' he wrote of the American bombers, 'like kings of the Earth.'"
August 22, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. This is a very moving true story about a WWll medal of honor recipient. Red Erwin's bravery is almost beyond comprehension The story is told by his grandson. Red Erwin's grandson decided to learn more about his grandfather after his passing. Often we take the people in our lives for granted and fail to learn their histories until its to late to talk to them about it. This book shows that some stories are really worth taking the time to listen to and ask questions. This book was more than just a story however I learned a lot about WWll aircraft. This book was well researched. It was a good personal story but also contained a lot of historical information about the building of aircraft and problems pilots faced flying in the south Pacific theater. Most of the WWll books I have read are set in Europe. I enjoyed learning more about the war in the Pacific. I like books that focus on a real hero although there is nothing wrong with historical fiction that has fictional characters. I just like to learn about the actual people who fought for our country.
February 8, 2025
More like 3.5. Such an amazing story. So unimaginable. To have done what Red Erwin did to save his B-29 and its crew is just incredible. To pick up a phosphorus bomb at over a thousand degrees and carry it for 22 seconds is beyond selfless, beyond sacrifice. Truly beyond valor. There are not enough superlatives to describe what Red Erwin did. And then to survive and live another 57 years is also hard to fathom.
The author, Red’s grandson, provides a lot of background and adjacent information to help us understand the times and circumstances affecting the story. This includes information on the B-29 bomber, the current and ongoing state of affairs in World War II, the status of burn victim therapy among others. Much of this is very interesting. I also like his discussion of how he felt about his grandfather’s hero status.
The problem I had with this story is in the presentation. It’s fairly readable and interesting but often lacks a smooth transition from topic to topic. It almost seems thrown together. It doesn’t always seem to flow from chapter to chapter or even page to page. And I would have liked more about Red Erwin after he recovered. More of his post injury story.
The author, Red’s grandson, provides a lot of background and adjacent information to help us understand the times and circumstances affecting the story. This includes information on the B-29 bomber, the current and ongoing state of affairs in World War II, the status of burn victim therapy among others. Much of this is very interesting. I also like his discussion of how he felt about his grandfather’s hero status.
The problem I had with this story is in the presentation. It’s fairly readable and interesting but often lacks a smooth transition from topic to topic. It almost seems thrown together. It doesn’t always seem to flow from chapter to chapter or even page to page. And I would have liked more about Red Erwin after he recovered. More of his post injury story.
August 1, 2025
The story of Red and his wife was the sweetest thing I have ever read! Their love for each other and his strong faith in God made me cry multiple times while reading! Their love story is 10/10!
The rest of the book is what brought my rating down. While this is a true story it felt more like reading a history book or plane manual. For chapters you go on hearing the history of such and such a place or this person and this thing rather than what I think the actual story is.
I feel like you honestly hear more about Red’s war journey and drama from the blurb than the book. The parts with Red are GOLD! The other parts…you could skip.
*content: this is a ww2 story that goes IN DETAIL the horrific deaths that happened to soldiers, women, children, infants and men during the war between the USA and Japan. It goes into detail of people facing torture. Red suffered incredibly excruciating injuries and surgeries that the book goes in depth in. A bit too much violence and gore for my liking but it is a true story.
The rest of the book is what brought my rating down. While this is a true story it felt more like reading a history book or plane manual. For chapters you go on hearing the history of such and such a place or this person and this thing rather than what I think the actual story is.
I feel like you honestly hear more about Red’s war journey and drama from the blurb than the book. The parts with Red are GOLD! The other parts…you could skip.
*content: this is a ww2 story that goes IN DETAIL the horrific deaths that happened to soldiers, women, children, infants and men during the war between the USA and Japan. It goes into detail of people facing torture. Red suffered incredibly excruciating injuries and surgeries that the book goes in depth in. A bit too much violence and gore for my liking but it is a true story.
September 14, 2020
I had to read Jon Erwin's Beyond Valor when I discovered Staff Sargent Red Erwin was the same rank and had the same job as my father during WWII. Reading about Red not only gave me keen insight to my father's service, but it inspired me. I especially appreciated a quote from Medal of Honor recipient, Gary Littrell. He said, "My fear is that your generation is losing sight of what the Medal of Honor means and why it matters... You don't have to be a soldier on the field of battle to go above and beyond the call of duty." Thank you, Gary, for that reminder. And thank you, Jon Erwin for sharing your grandfather's story.
While I appreciated the layered details from other accounts during the war and after, I wished the story centralized more around the extraordinary life of Red Erwin (thus only four out of five stars).
While I appreciated the layered details from other accounts during the war and after, I wished the story centralized more around the extraordinary life of Red Erwin (thus only four out of five stars).
April 19, 2021
This book is very well written. It offers insights into history from eye-witness accounts that I really enjoyed, and the story of Red Erwin is truly inspirational. The reason I only gave Beyond Valor four stars out of five, is because I was disappointed that it didn’t include more accounts of Red’s faith in action as he journeyed through life following his life-changing injury. However, the last chapters did bring it all together and really hammer home the point that we as Christians are in training all the time to think of others and live for the Lord. When those “medal of honor” type situations come up in our lives, we step into them and do the right thing because we have trained to do the right thing as we follow Christ. This is an inspirational story and well worth the read. I highly recommend it to history buffs who love the Lord.
July 15, 2021
What does it mean to be an American and go above and beyond and to love others to save them? Page 162 states, “If we don’t take the time to look in the rear view mirror and study the generations that came before us and the history of the country, we are in danger of becoming a rudderless ship.” I liked the fact that Red Erwin was a man that believed in God. He acted as a true Christian should act.
I also loved the story about General Patton asking God to clear the rain in December of 1944. He told the chaplain that “there are 3 ways that men get what they want: by planning, by working, and by praying.” He wanted all those under his command to pray for good western for battle so they could win WWII, resulting in tens of thousands of his Army praying. (Pages 88-89.)
One other favorite part was the Appendix, titled “Seven Prayers”.
Book 47 of ankle recovery.
I also loved the story about General Patton asking God to clear the rain in December of 1944. He told the chaplain that “there are 3 ways that men get what they want: by planning, by working, and by praying.” He wanted all those under his command to pray for good western for battle so they could win WWII, resulting in tens of thousands of his Army praying. (Pages 88-89.)
One other favorite part was the Appendix, titled “Seven Prayers”.
Book 47 of ankle recovery.
September 26, 2020
If you love military stories, nonfiction heroes, and the power of family, this book is exactly what you need.
In this story, we get the remarkable backstory of the author’s grandfather during one of the most tragic yet heroic moments of his life; all surrounding one flight, one bomb, and a group of soldiers.
This is one of those books that sticks with you off the page. You’ll fly through it without knowing as the words hit you full force. I really enjoyed how this isn’t just a war story, but one including the perspective of the family throughout the journey. It gave the onlooking perspective of mystery and awe.
Overall, this was a fast read that will leave you thinking about the broader world. If you love war history, heart-clenching survivals, and emotional recoveries, I highly recommend this one! A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I requested a free copy of this book from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions only and are not influenced in any way.*
In this story, we get the remarkable backstory of the author’s grandfather during one of the most tragic yet heroic moments of his life; all surrounding one flight, one bomb, and a group of soldiers.
This is one of those books that sticks with you off the page. You’ll fly through it without knowing as the words hit you full force. I really enjoyed how this isn’t just a war story, but one including the perspective of the family throughout the journey. It gave the onlooking perspective of mystery and awe.
Overall, this was a fast read that will leave you thinking about the broader world. If you love war history, heart-clenching survivals, and emotional recoveries, I highly recommend this one! A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I requested a free copy of this book from TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions only and are not influenced in any way.*
May 24, 2021
I have forgotten how much I enjoy reading about our history and the wars we have fought for our freedoms. This book was enjoyable to read and very informative as well. I appreciate the firsthand accounts of people who were there during the fighting in Japan during WWII. There were so many things that I had no idea had happened, specifically the bombing of Tokyo. What a terrible thing to happen to the people of Japan but unfortunately there is a price to war and a price paid by blood to defend our freedoms. I also enjoyed learning about the history of the Medal of Honor. I didn’t realize how rare it was given out for acts of valor and bravery. I thank god for people like Red. Because of men like him I am able to enjoy the freedoms that I have today.
September 29, 2020
The story of Red Erwin is exceptional and his heroism is almost unfathomable. The background surrounding Erwin paints an excellent picture of his life leading up to the fateful day, his heroic actions and the efforts to get his medal before he perished. Ultimately the most riveting part was his will to live and the life he lived after. There's some tangents into history and individuals that is interesting historically, but not really relevant to the story. Overall a good read but an incredible true life story.
October 16, 2020
This book recounts the story of Red Erwin, a World War 2 Medal of Honor winner. It was interesting to hear his life story. Since the book is written from an inspirational standpoint, I think it would work best for a Sunday School or religious-based book club. I was hoping for more historical aspects, but the emotions involved are always valuable to understand. The main reason I gave it a 2 rather than a 3 was that it tended to go off on tangents (such as Patton and the Battle of the Bulge, or a biographical sketch of Harry Truman) that seemed less relevant to the main narrative.
November 26, 2020
The story of Red is incredible, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about what an extraordinary person he is. However, only about 1/4 of this book is actually about Red. It has a tendency to go off on tangents about historical aspects of WW2 that are largely unrelated to Red (there are 5+ pages just about the early life of President Truman). I wish the author would have placed more focus on Red and less on the history of WW2, because the book claims to be about Red. Very misleading title and description in this sense.
April 30, 2021
Audible review. This should be required reading for anyone wanting to see what honor, dedication and true love for your brothers in arms should be. The narrator is wonderful, the story of Red Erwin is remarkable. I have read many WWII books but this one is by far in the top two, right up there with Indianapolis. The love between Betty and Red and his faith in God is inspirational. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to listen to this inspiring story.
My son is a Marine and I could not be more proud. High 5 stars.
My son is a Marine and I could not be more proud. High 5 stars.
September 22, 2021
Incredible story of "Red" Erwin who's act of bravery saved countless lives. The question that is asked is what creates such bravery in people, the answer discovered through this heroic life is LOVE. The love for others compels people to acts of courage and bravery. Great story! If there is any downside it would at times the going overboard on explaining details - yes it is helpful to know the history but sometimes while trying to explain - too many details can derail the moment that story was bringing. Overall Great story!
November 3, 2021
Book club book for November 2021. A short (168 pages) nonfiction written by a grandson honoring the grandfather he barely knew. Got to know him better after his death. Red Erwin was a Medal of Honor recipient from his act of valor aboard a B-29 in which he saved 12 of his crew members but ended up being horribly disfigured. Grandson gains insight on how to live life the Red Erwin way. Prologue choked me up (reminded me of my dad’s military funeral). Soon to be a major motion picture following in the footsteps of Unbroken (hopefully this one will be done better).
August 17, 2020
3.5 stars
I won this book in a Goodreads book giveaway. While I am glad that I now know the story of Red Erwin, a WW2 American War hero, I cannot say I loved the book. I felt like the author couldn't decide if he was writing a American History text book, or a biography. I would have preferred the biography. I loved reading the human story behind Henry "Red" Erwin. He was an extraordinary man. I disliked the tedious history lesson on airplanes, bombs,etc.
I won this book in a Goodreads book giveaway. While I am glad that I now know the story of Red Erwin, a WW2 American War hero, I cannot say I loved the book. I felt like the author couldn't decide if he was writing a American History text book, or a biography. I would have preferred the biography. I loved reading the human story behind Henry "Red" Erwin. He was an extraordinary man. I disliked the tedious history lesson on airplanes, bombs,etc.
Want to read
September 4, 2020Es interesante hablar del amor sacrificial.
Creo que en este tiempo de pandemia estamos viviendo lo que es el quebrantamiento, dolor, temor y sufrimiento que nos ha llevado a una muerte colectiva.
La única forma de salir es peleando por tu vida y si esto está alcanzado, pelear por un amor que levante un cántico de alabanza que llegue a todo el mundo.
Sí, es encontrar un amor que se sacrifique por alguien más o por toda una nación.
Creo que en este tiempo de pandemia estamos viviendo lo que es el quebrantamiento, dolor, temor y sufrimiento que nos ha llevado a una muerte colectiva.
La única forma de salir es peleando por tu vida y si esto está alcanzado, pelear por un amor que levante un cántico de alabanza que llegue a todo el mundo.
Sí, es encontrar un amor que se sacrifique por alguien más o por toda una nación.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
Red Erwin's story is one that stands out even amid other incredible acts of bravery. His grandson gives a very detailed and impactful account of those moments, as well as other moments of great bravery, although at times I think that Jon Erwin gets a bit too entrenched in describing other moments during those years that have little to do with Red's story. All in all, though, if you stick with it, you'll be richly rewarded and inspired.
August 3, 2025
Beyond Valor tells the story of Henry "Red" Erwin during his service flying B-29 bombers during World War II. We learn about how Red earned the Medal of Honor and the amazing story of his years long recovery from his injuries. There was a large focus on Christian faith guiding him and other service members and presidents which got a bit old after a while, but Red was an amazing individual. I'm glad I took the time to learn about his life and his service to this country.
October 3, 2020
I enjoyed this quick, but inspiring read about a WWII hero. I learned about a part of the war with Japan that I wasn't familiar with, which made the account even more interesting. More importantly, I liked the authors' emphasis on Red Erwin's reliance on God, positivity, and determination. BEYOND VALOR is an inspirational, faith-promoting read. I recommend it to readers who enjoyed UNBROKEN.
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