re: Medal of Honor site

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British officer & WWI vet told David Niven that in Sep 1939 I haven't checked it recently

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That’s why I downvoted. I didn’t think it was true. I did some research and nothing suggested it was true.

Curious if WWII and Vietnam changed those stats. It’s a power statement to throw around. Especially during times like this.

It would more powerful if true.

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Jared Monti, was a friend of mine and one hell of a man.

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I spent a year at COP Monti. Pretty cool that you knew him.

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This guy here is buried here in the Ponchatoula.

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Raymond Clausen Jr.: Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient

Actually met him in the early 90’s in Thibodaux. My then FIL was in charge of dedicating the Veterans Memorial Park called Heroes Park. He had invited 3 MOH recipients who were present.

Found out later that only 2 were actual MOH recipients and the other was stolen valor.

I remember being in awe of Mr Clausen and the story of his actions.

He was a really cool guy with some antics off duty that will make you laugh.

Robert Howard’s life makes anyone’s look pretty small.

Me, Arlo and Adolf Hitler share a birthday.

There is a new Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, TX near Globe Life Field. Supposed to be pretty good.

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It ain’t about movie releases, the beach, or mattress sales.

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Any day is a good time to remember and honor true heroes. This one has stuck with me a long time.

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HENRY EUGENE "RED" ERWIN
DETAILS
RANK: STAFF SERGEANT (HIGHEST RANK: MASTER SERGEANT)
CONFLICT/ERA: WORLD WAR II UNIT/COMMAND: 52D BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON, 29TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP, 314TH BOMBARDMENT WING, 20TH AIR FORCE
MILITARY SERVICE BRANCH: U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION DATE: APRIL 12, 1945
MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION PLACE: KORIYAMA, JAPAN

CITATION He was the radio operator of a B-29 airplane leading a group formation to attack Koriyama, Japan.

He was charged with the additional duty of dropping phosphorus 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.

Among the phosphorus bombs launched by S/Sgt. Erwin, one proved faulty, exploding in the launching chute, and shot back into the interior of the aircraft, striking him in the face. The burning phosphorus obliterated his nose and completely blinded him.

Smoke filled the plane, obscuring the vision of the pilot. S/Sgt. Erwin realized that the aircraft and crew would be lost if the burning bomb remained in the plane.

Without regard for his own safety, he picked it up and feeling his way, instinctively, crawled around the gun turret and headed for the copilot's window. He found the navigator's table obstructing his passage. Grasping the burning bomb between his forearm and body, he unleashed the spring lock and raised the table. Struggling through the narrow passage he stumbled forward into the smoke-filled pilot's compartment. Groping with his burning hands, he located the window and threw the bomb out.

Completely aflame, he fell back upon the floor. The smoke cleared, the pilot, at 300 feet, pulled the plane out of its dive.

S/Sgt. Erwin's gallantry and heroism above and beyond the call of duty saved the lives of his comrades.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
ACCREDITED TO: BESSEMER, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA
AWARDED POSTHUMOUSLY: NO
PRESENTATION DATE & DETAILS: APRIL 19, 1945
FLEET HOSPITAL 103, GUAM, PRESENTED BY GEN. CURTIS LEMAY

BORN: MAY 8, 1921, ADAMSVILLE, JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES
DIED: JANUARY 16, 2002, LEEDS, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES
BURIED: ELMWOOD CEMETERY (MH) (2-E1/2-279), BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA, UNITED STATES

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