[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 132 (Tuesday, October 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN MEMORIAM OF ROBERT HANSON, LAST ``MEMPHIS BELLE'' CREW MEMBER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 18, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn the 
passing of Sergeant Robert J. Hanson, the last surviving crew member of 
the famed Memphis Belle B-17 that flew combat missions during World War 
II. Mr. Hanson was a man of character, capacity, compassion and 
courage. We are all saddened by his loss.
  Robert was born in Walla Walla, WA, joined the military in 1941, and 
was assigned to the crew of the Memphis Belle.
  Early in World War II, the United States 8th Air Force decided to use 
its heavy bombers in daytime attacks against occupied Europe. The 
British predicted horrible losses during daylight raids. It was not 
surprising that the first bomber crew to complete 25 missions would be 
regarded as heroes.
  The crew of the Memphis Belle was the first to complete a combat 
tour. Between November 7, 1942 and May 17, 1943, the crew flew missions 
ranging from 4 to almost 10 hours in duration. For these missions 
Robert Hanson and his fellow airmen were awarded the Air Medal with 
three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Memphis 
Belle and its crew were then returned to the United States on a morale-
building tour of aircraft plants.
  Sergeant Hanson served as the radio operator on the Memphis Belle. He 
put the name of his sweetheart, Irene, next to the window where he sat 
just in case someone needed to know who to contact if he died in 
combat.
  During its missions, the Memphis Belle was hit by flak, cannon shells 
and machine gun bullets. The plane's major parts were replaced at least 
once, and four crew members died during combat.
  Sergeant Hanson himself narrowly escaped serious injury or even 
death. He was writing in a log book one day and had to sneeze. As his 
head moved, a bullet missed him and put a hole through the book.
  He regaled family and friends with his experiences about a chase 
involving several German planes, the bomber's tail being shot off and a 
nose dive that left the crew wondering if they should use their 
parachutes.
  Upon leaving the service, he went on to work as a salesman for Nalley 
Fine Foods in Walla Walla, WA, and became a regional manager. He later 
worked for a candy company in Spokane, Wash. He and Irene recently 
moved to Albuquerque, NM, to be near their daughter.
  In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, 
and when he was able, he toured the country speaking about his 
experiences aboard the Memphis Belle.
  Sergeant Hanson was a loving husband and father and a loyal friend. I 
extend my deepest sympathy during this time of bereavement to his wife 
of 63 years, Irene; his daughter, Mary Black; his son, Rick Hanson; and 
his six grandchildren.
  Not only was Robert Hanson part of our Greatest Generation, he was a 
true hero, aptly defined as one who inspires through manners and 
actions, who leads through personal example and accomplishments 
requiring bravery, skill, and determination.
  Mr. Speaker, when radio operators signed off using Morse code, they 
keyed Dit-Dit-Dit-Dah-Dit-Dah. And, Robert was fond of ending his phone 
conversations in this way. In honor to him, I ask my colleagues to rise 
with me and say Dit-Dit-Dit-Dah-Dit-Dah.

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