The Erwin Nine

In the early days of World War II, nine young men from the small town of Erwin, Tennessee (population 3,350), volunteered for service in the United States Army Air Corps, proud to defend their nation and democracy. None of them served together, and all were shot down at different times in different places. Yet, incredibly, with more than fifty prison camps scattered throughout Nazi Germany, all nine captured airmen were sent to the same one -- Stalag Luft IV.

Each man's story is retold and relived on the pages of this volume: The training and the anticipation of battle, the fear of trying to escape a burning plane. The treatment, brutal and inflamed, that only war can produce. Liberated men, stuffing their pockets with bread -- and being told they don't have to do that anymore, because there will still be plenty in the morning. Men delivered and coming home.

The author engagingly draws you into each man's life. Intimately, as she details the circumstances of this unique drama, she takes you into the hearts of nine very special Americans -- The Erwin Nine --

Hilda Padgett has long been active in recording the history of Erwin, Tennessee.