#VeteranOfTheDay Edwin Vance Bain

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Army Air Forces Veteran Edwin Vance Bain. Edwin served during World War II.

Edwin joined the Army in 1936, and during World War II, he was the gunner during the Doolittle Mission on a B-25 taking off from the USS Hornet. After bombing targets in Japan, Edwin and his crew flew to China. When their aircraft ran out of fuel, Edwin became separated from the crew and was reported missing. Nevertheless, after two days Edwin reunited with his crew in a friendly Chinese village.

After returning to the U.S., Edwin transferred to the 441st Bomb Squadron of the 320th Bomb Group at MacDill Field, Florida. In Dec. 1942, he deployed with his unit to North Africa where he served as a gunner on B-26 Marauder bombers. Before returning home, Edwin volunteered to fly one extra bombing mission to Italy in order to help a friend fill out his B-26 crew. He was killed in action on July 19, 1943, on that mission. Edwin is memorialized in Nettuno, Italy, and Sanford, North Carolina. He is also featured on the granite Doolittle Raider Monument in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Edwin was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier’s Medal, Air Medal and a Purple Heart.

We honor your service, Edwin.

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much of the information as you can put together with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating for how to create the best submission.

Graphic By Kierra Willis: Kierra Willis is a Graphic Communication Major at the University of Maryland University College. She currently has an AAS in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.