Beyond Valor

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

By: Jon Erwin, William Doyle

Narrated by: Zach Hoffman, Jon Erwin

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. But it didn't go as planned. Beyond Valor is one soldier's extraordinary tale of bravery, faith, and devotion.

Onboard 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 and managed to throw the still-flaming bomb overboard be­fore collapsing from the third-degree burns that covered 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.

Drawn from in-depth interviews with eyewitnesses and deep archival research, Beyond Valor tells the gripping story of Erwin's life--from his upbringing in the suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama to his enduring commitment to supporting veterans. Beyond Valor gives you a front-row seat to Erwin's amazing life and legacy. Along the way, you'll learn:

• How Erwin's childhood in Birmingham shaped his faith and his family
• How a split-second decision changed the course of his life
• The countless ways that Erwin chose to give back to his fellow veterans after he returned home

Beyond Valor is about more than that fateful day in April 1945. It's a story of one man's journey from the ultimate despair to a place beyond service, beyond honor, and beyond valor: a life illuminated by the light of God's love.

Pretty Good Listen

I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book, but thought I'd give it a try. I've read several books about the B-29 recently, so was passingly familiar with the Red Erwin story. This book naturally expanded on it, as one would expect, but was also not a bad overview of the B-29 saga over Japan. If you're not really familiar with this topic, this is not a bad way to find out about it; not super detailed, but provides enough information that you won't feel lost.

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I got this book because it dealt with aviation history. The first few words were all about "Red" Erwin, Medal of Honor recipient. It got better and the author weaves him into the story of the war in the Pacific during WWII. And, don't forget that he loved God and his family too. The book was short ( 7 hours) and to the point.

Heroic Medal of Honor Christian

A great account about a World War II Christian aviator, who saved his crew from a bomb, exploding inside the airplane and almost lost his life and received a medal of honor

One of the best books I’ve ever listened to!!!

This book is a must listen!
Be ready… it may become your favorite book of all times. And that is no exaggeration!
As a story of a well-lived godly life,- it inspires you to re-examine your values and fills your heart with inspiration and courage to go and be used by God in every day challenges. “Uncommon Valor” was an excellent pic of a title!
Great job, Erwin Brothers! You blessed me once more.
You do have a God given talent of storytelling, no doubt. I have gained a brand new perspective on history as well as my country, thank you so much! I can only pray you will make it a movie, it surely can become of the best tools in the Lords hand Entertainment industry needs so much!!!
... If you are looking for the truth, that can inspire and propel your personal growth, you will indeed do yourself a huge favor to buy this book and listen to it first and then send it as a gift to your whole family.
Prepare to fall in love❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
You will not be disappointed!

I loved it!

While listening to the narrator I was struck by a lot of the heroism that the soldiers went thru.. I cried and laughed at multiple times and would gladly listen to this book multiple times. Also, while listening to this story helped me to understand why my grandfather never told of his time in the military. I will also gladly recommend this book to anyone.