Rank:

Flight Lieutenant

Unit:

No. 18 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 10th, 1948

Awarded for:

Operation Vittles

"Flight Lieutenant Hanson as captain of a Dakota aircraft has been continuously engaged on the Berlin air lift since its inception at the end of June 1948 and has successfully completed 123 sorties. The operations were initiated from Wunstorf by Dakota crews who, within a few days from the start, built up the daily lift to over 400 tons, before any other squadron was available. Flight Lieutenant Hanson has flown numerous sorties from Wunstorf, Fassberg and Lubeck, many of them in most difficult weather, which has placed a heavy strain on the endurance of the crews and called for a high degree of skill and determination. Throughout, Flight Lieutenant Hanson has shown an unswerving steadiness and a most praiseworthy devotion to his task. His tenacity and skill have inspired the other captains in his squadron to a like endeavour and created a high standard of performance which has been a potent factor in ensuring the regularity and reliability of the air lift operations. Apart from his personal contribution to the success of the air lift operations Flight Lieutenant Hanson has completed 27 sorties on the scheduled service into Berlin, carrying passengers and freight, and has done much to ensure its regularity. His services are fully deserving of recognition."