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A Picture from History: Robert M. Hanson

In this Picture from History, we dive into the story of Lt. Robert M. Hanson -- a pilot credited with over 20 aerial victories in WWII.
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    In a conflict as large as WWII, it’s impossible to keep track of every heroic soldier, sailor, marine, and airman. But sometimes, when looking for some of the less-known heroes, you come across an individual whose story you can’t believe you hadn’t heard.

    Medal of Honor recipient Lt. Robert Hanson’s story is one of them.

    Robert M. Hanson
    Robert M. Hanson

    Who Was Robert Hanson?

    Robert M. Hanson was born on February 4, 1920, in Lucknow, India, to missionary parents.

    Hanson spent his early childhood in India but returned to the U.S .for middle school. However, he went back to India as an athlete, claiming the title of heavy-weight wrestling champion. 

    Robert M. Hanson
    Another shot of Hanson

    18-year-old Hanson then embarked on a bicycle trip across Europe. There he witnessed the German Anschluss while in Vienna.

    But despite having experienced a lot for a young man, Hanson’s greatest trials and triumphs still lay ahead.

    After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hanson finished his college studies. He then enlisted for U.S. Navy flight training in May 1942. 

    Battleship Row early in the attack on Pearl Harbor
    Battleship Row early in the attack on Pearl Harbor

    In February 1943, training now complete, Hanson earned his wings and a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the Marine Corps. Just a few months later, the Marines dispatched him to the South Pacific.

    Butcher Bob Takes to the Skies

    Hanson’s first assignment was with Marine Fighting Squadron 214. Flying an F4 Corsair, he quickly developed a reputation for fearless flying in the skies over the Solomon Islands.

    F4 Corsair
    F4 Corsair

    After downing multiple Japanese planes, Hanson became known as “Butcher Bob.”

    Hanson was transferred to Marine Fighting Squadron 215, a.k.a. ”The Fighting Corsairs.”

    On November 1, he took off from Barakoma Airfield, bound for Bougainville to support the American landings at Empress Augusta Bay. 

    In aerial combat, Hanson downed three Japanese aircraft and forced others to jettison their bombs before they could drop them.

    Nakajima B5N2
    Nakajima B5N2

    But a tail-gunner on a Japanese B5N Kate bomber scored a hit on Hanson’s Corsair and sent him into the sea.

    Hanson floated in a raft for hours until the USS Sigourney picked him up. The Sigourney then took him back to his airfield on Vella Lavella.

    Undaunted by his brush with death, Hanson got back in the cockpit. Next, he downed a total of 20 enemy aircraft over 17 days. 

    USS Sigourney
    USS Sigourney

    Overall, Hanson claimed 25 aerial victories in just a few months of flying in the South Pacific. Butcher Bob indeed!

    Hanson Goes Missing

    On February 3, the day before his birthday, Lt. Hanson volunteered to go on a mission over Rabaul. He was tasked with a strafing mission to take out a Japanese lighthouse that provided the enemy with a view of neighboring harbors. 

    Rabaul, Papua New Guinea in 2012
    Rabaul, Papua New Guinea in 2012 (Photo: Stefan Krasowski)

    While no one witnessed the event, it’s believed that the low approach the mission required left Hanson vulnerable to the many anti-aircraft guns on the island.

    Hanson never returned, and the military declared him missing in action. 

    The following August, Lt. Hanson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in the three months preceding his death, as well as the Navy Cross.

    Hanson stands as the third highest-scoring Marine Corps flying ace of the war.

    This is a new style of article for Pew Pew Tactical, if you liked it — let us know in the comments! If you didn’t enjoy it…well phooey. To catch up on previous Pictures from History, click on over to our History Category.

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    9 Leave a Reply

    • Richard Columbaro

      Great story. Looking forward to more like this.

      July 18, 2022 5:57 pm
    • James

      Awesome story and article. Great to read these stories I haven't heard before.

      July 18, 2022 6:19 am
    • Dax Cario

      Hanson could hack a Zero at 6 G’s and not spill a drop of his CR. Taken from bar talk at the O’Club, Udorn RTAFB, circa 1972.

      July 17, 2022 4:27 pm
    • Marc

      Awesome soldier. RIP Butcher Bob.

      July 16, 2022 9:08 pm
    • JRB

      Well done. Keep them coming. Perhaps you could tutor the public schools. The students half of them, haven't heard of WWII much less the gift our veterans have given us for the next 75 years as now the Marxists are threatening us with the end of our country.

      July 16, 2022 12:38 pm
      • RAB

        Amen JRB. God help us return to individual Liberty. "Where the Lord is, there, is Liberty."

        July 19, 2022 5:48 am
    • motomike

      Butcher Bob-more like Bob the surgeon. Extracting the enemy from the skies! RIP Hero Bob.

      July 15, 2022 5:39 pm
    • Mike

      Love the history lessons, keep them coming.

      July 15, 2022 11:05 am
    • Jack Hauser

      Great story. Just wish they were longer and with more detail. Please keep it up. Yes, more please!

      July 15, 2022 10:27 am
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