Two men who risked everything to save their aircraft and, because of their bravery, were awarded their countries highest honour.  These are stories which truly invoke the often misused sobriquet, hero.

Jimmy Ward of No 75 (New Zealand) Squadron.

The hatch that Jimmy climbed out of and the holes he made to crawl over to the blazing engine.

Henry Erwin, recipient of the Medal of Honor.

“Red” Erwin in 1995.

The B-29 Superfortress.

Images under Creative Commons licence with thanks to Arghya1999, the Royal Air Force, US Air Force, Senior Airman Christopher J. Matthews and the US Gov.