In Memory of…...... LCDR Robert Taft Hanson, Jr.
*** Greetings! That is not his headstone. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a stone. That photo is the area surrounding his parents marker since he is buried beside them. His mom and dad are both on that marker. The markers are positioned back-to-back like stepping stones and this photo shows that there is no marker beside theirs. The marker above theirs, which would be to the left of the photo, is not their surname so I did not include it in the picture. If you are the memorial-keeper, please put a note that in this cemetery he doesn't have a marker. Thanks, Pamela
Added by Barnard/OConnor/Wolford on Jul 16, 2017
*** Lieutenant Commander Hanson was a member of Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron 13, Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). On February 3, 1966, he was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. He ejected but was listed as missing. His remains were recovered on November 3, 1988 and identified on February 17, 1989. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
***** Bob's remains were identified and returned to the United States in November, 1988. On May 5, 1989, the remains were buried. "'Even though he was killed 23 years ago, his mission wasn't complete until today - to come home and remind us of his sacrifice and to perpetuate the virtues we hold dear,' said Capt. Gerald Coffee," the pilot of the plane in which they were shot down. Bob's burial was attended by about 100 relatives and friends, including his widow Patricia Hanson (who had remarried as Patricia Pickett. "For about 20 fraternity brothers from Miami University's Delta Chi chapter who served as honorary pallbearers, the funeral was an opportunity to renew friendships with men who came from as far as Florida, Texas, and California." The grave is marked by a metal in-ground plaque. A more complete account of the burial appears in "The Blade" of May 6, 1989.
Contributor: Carl Ingwalson
ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. - Navy - LCDR - O4 Age: 22
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Dec 28, 1942
From: TOLEDO, OH
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married - Patricia Jane Plummer Hanson - Wankal (Remarried in 1972 and lives in GA)from Zanesville, Ohio.
Parents: Father, Robert Taft Hanson, Sr., Born in Ohio March 17, 1914 and died before April 25, 1957. Mother, Dorcas E. Jencks Hanson, Born 1914 in Canada and Died March 5, 1969 in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH at the age of 55 yrs and as a widow.
Brother, Timothy "Tim" M. Hanson (Oxford, OH.), Sister, Margaret "Peggy" E. Hanson (Arizona) and Judith "Judy" Hanson (Salt Lake, Utah). Aunt and Uncle, John A. Hanson of Sylvania, OH.
** Paternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Clifford T. Hanson and Grandmother, Alice Melvin Hanson.
** Maternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Henry Jencks and Grandmother, Claire T. Fifield Jencks, Born in Rhode Island. by 1930 Census she is Divorced and 41 yrs old. She has 4 children. Dorcas E. Jencks-born in Canada, Ruth F. Jencks-Born in New York, Deborah A. Jencks and Barbara Jencks-Both born in Rhode Island.
** Maternal GreatGrandparents: GreatGrandfather, Edward L. Fifield, born in Rhode Island and GreatGrandmother, Carrie E. Fifield, born in Rhode Island.
***** Dorcas E Jencks - in the record of Robert T Hanson and Dorcas E Jencks
Name Robert T Hanson
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 10 Apr 1939
Event Place Lucas, Ohio, United States
Age 25
Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Father's Name Clifford T Hanson
Mother's Name Alice Melvin
Spouse's Name Dorcas E Jencks
Spouse's Age 25
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Spouse's Father's Name Henry Jencks
Spouse's Mother's Name Claire Fifield
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Name: Robert Taft Hanson Jr
[Robert T Hanson Jr]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 28 Dec 1942
Birth Place: Toledo Lucas, Ohio
Death Date: 3 Feb 1966
Father: Robert T Hanson
Mother: Dorcas E Jencks
SSN: 293369580
Notes: Jun 1958: Name listed as ROBERT TAFT HANSON JR; 23 Oct 1996: Name listed as ROBERT T HANSON
Contributor: Floyd Fifield
***** art gelalles - served with him in RVAH-13 CVA-63
The story of a replacement crew-I remember him as a slightly built blondish young man. Serious demeanor. Mr. Hanson (a Ltjg at the time)was a RAN (recon at navigator). He must have come aboard in mid Jan.66 and some old records that I kept reveal that their a/c(our side #605 BUNO 151625 )was lost 3Feb66 about half way between the DMZ and Haiphong just off the coast near Phu Duc, NVN. Mr. Hanson was seen by TOPCAP a/c being taken aboard an NVN fishing vessel but apparently died of injuries. These good people will be forever young in my memory.Rest, AGG
LCDR - O4 - Navy - Regular
Length of service 8 years
In NORTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died captured, FIXED WING - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Panel 04E - Line 135
Other Personnel In Incident: Gerald L. Coffee, released POW, pilot
On February 3, 1966, LCDR ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire.
Their aircraft was hit by enemy fire and was observed to explode and hit the water near the coast of North Vietnam east of Nghe An Province. No parachutes were seen, however an emergency survival radio beeper was heard.
Both Coffee and Hanson successfully ejected and parachuted into the gulf.
Coffee was recovered by one of the boats, and was held prisoner until his release in 1973. He stated that he had seen his navigator Hanson alive in the water about 12 meters away and thought that he had been picked up in one of the other boats.
Lt. Coffee also reported that a guard indicated Lt. Hanson was dead and had been buried on the beach. Coffee was shown his identification card.
*********************************
An article in the February 1, 1973 Quan Doi Nhan Dan (a daily Vietnamese paper), in describing the February 3, 1966 shootdown, stated that, "The militia ...managed to bring the two enemy pilots to shore." Hanson and Coffee's plane was the only aircraft lost within 45 miles of the Gulf of Tonkin that day.
On November 3, 1988, the Vietnamese, who had previously denied knowledge of Lt. Hanson, "discovered" and returned his remains to U.S. control.
******************************
.
*** Greetings! That is not his headstone. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a stone. That photo is the area surrounding his parents marker since he is buried beside them. His mom and dad are both on that marker. The markers are positioned back-to-back like stepping stones and this photo shows that there is no marker beside theirs. The marker above theirs, which would be to the left of the photo, is not their surname so I did not include it in the picture. If you are the memorial-keeper, please put a note that in this cemetery he doesn't have a marker. Thanks, Pamela
Added by Barnard/OConnor/Wolford on Jul 16, 2017
*** Lieutenant Commander Hanson was a member of Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron 13, Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). On February 3, 1966, he was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. He ejected but was listed as missing. His remains were recovered on November 3, 1988 and identified on February 17, 1989. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
***** Bob's remains were identified and returned to the United States in November, 1988. On May 5, 1989, the remains were buried. "'Even though he was killed 23 years ago, his mission wasn't complete until today - to come home and remind us of his sacrifice and to perpetuate the virtues we hold dear,' said Capt. Gerald Coffee," the pilot of the plane in which they were shot down. Bob's burial was attended by about 100 relatives and friends, including his widow Patricia Hanson (who had remarried as Patricia Pickett. "For about 20 fraternity brothers from Miami University's Delta Chi chapter who served as honorary pallbearers, the funeral was an opportunity to renew friendships with men who came from as far as Florida, Texas, and California." The grave is marked by a metal in-ground plaque. A more complete account of the burial appears in "The Blade" of May 6, 1989.
Contributor: Carl Ingwalson
ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. - Navy - LCDR - O4 Age: 22
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Dec 28, 1942
From: TOLEDO, OH
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married - Patricia Jane Plummer Hanson - Wankal (Remarried in 1972 and lives in GA)from Zanesville, Ohio.
Parents: Father, Robert Taft Hanson, Sr., Born in Ohio March 17, 1914 and died before April 25, 1957. Mother, Dorcas E. Jencks Hanson, Born 1914 in Canada and Died March 5, 1969 in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH at the age of 55 yrs and as a widow.
Brother, Timothy "Tim" M. Hanson (Oxford, OH.), Sister, Margaret "Peggy" E. Hanson (Arizona) and Judith "Judy" Hanson (Salt Lake, Utah). Aunt and Uncle, John A. Hanson of Sylvania, OH.
** Paternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Clifford T. Hanson and Grandmother, Alice Melvin Hanson.
** Maternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Henry Jencks and Grandmother, Claire T. Fifield Jencks, Born in Rhode Island. by 1930 Census she is Divorced and 41 yrs old. She has 4 children. Dorcas E. Jencks-born in Canada, Ruth F. Jencks-Born in New York, Deborah A. Jencks and Barbara Jencks-Both born in Rhode Island.
** Maternal GreatGrandparents: GreatGrandfather, Edward L. Fifield, born in Rhode Island and GreatGrandmother, Carrie E. Fifield, born in Rhode Island.
***** Dorcas E Jencks - in the record of Robert T Hanson and Dorcas E Jencks
Name Robert T Hanson
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 10 Apr 1939
Event Place Lucas, Ohio, United States
Age 25
Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Father's Name Clifford T Hanson
Mother's Name Alice Melvin
Spouse's Name Dorcas E Jencks
Spouse's Age 25
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Spouse's Father's Name Henry Jencks
Spouse's Mother's Name Claire Fifield
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Name: Robert Taft Hanson Jr
[Robert T Hanson Jr]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 28 Dec 1942
Birth Place: Toledo Lucas, Ohio
Death Date: 3 Feb 1966
Father: Robert T Hanson
Mother: Dorcas E Jencks
SSN: 293369580
Notes: Jun 1958: Name listed as ROBERT TAFT HANSON JR; 23 Oct 1996: Name listed as ROBERT T HANSON
Contributor: Floyd Fifield
***** art gelalles - served with him in RVAH-13 CVA-63
The story of a replacement crew-I remember him as a slightly built blondish young man. Serious demeanor. Mr. Hanson (a Ltjg at the time)was a RAN (recon at navigator). He must have come aboard in mid Jan.66 and some old records that I kept reveal that their a/c(our side #605 BUNO 151625 )was lost 3Feb66 about half way between the DMZ and Haiphong just off the coast near Phu Duc, NVN. Mr. Hanson was seen by TOPCAP a/c being taken aboard an NVN fishing vessel but apparently died of injuries. These good people will be forever young in my memory.Rest, AGG
LCDR - O4 - Navy - Regular
Length of service 8 years
In NORTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died captured, FIXED WING - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Panel 04E - Line 135
Other Personnel In Incident: Gerald L. Coffee, released POW, pilot
On February 3, 1966, LCDR ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire.
Their aircraft was hit by enemy fire and was observed to explode and hit the water near the coast of North Vietnam east of Nghe An Province. No parachutes were seen, however an emergency survival radio beeper was heard.
Both Coffee and Hanson successfully ejected and parachuted into the gulf.
Coffee was recovered by one of the boats, and was held prisoner until his release in 1973. He stated that he had seen his navigator Hanson alive in the water about 12 meters away and thought that he had been picked up in one of the other boats.
Lt. Coffee also reported that a guard indicated Lt. Hanson was dead and had been buried on the beach. Coffee was shown his identification card.
*********************************
An article in the February 1, 1973 Quan Doi Nhan Dan (a daily Vietnamese paper), in describing the February 3, 1966 shootdown, stated that, "The militia ...managed to bring the two enemy pilots to shore." Hanson and Coffee's plane was the only aircraft lost within 45 miles of the Gulf of Tonkin that day.
On November 3, 1988, the Vietnamese, who had previously denied knowledge of Lt. Hanson, "discovered" and returned his remains to U.S. control.
******************************
.
In Memory of…...... LCDR Robert Taft Hanson, Jr.
*** Greetings! That is not his headstone. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a stone. That photo is the area surrounding his parents marker since he is buried beside them. His mom and dad are both on that marker. The markers are positioned back-to-back like stepping stones and this photo shows that there is no marker beside theirs. The marker above theirs, which would be to the left of the photo, is not their surname so I did not include it in the picture. If you are the memorial-keeper, please put a note that in this cemetery he doesn't have a marker. Thanks, Pamela
Added by Barnard/OConnor/Wolford on Jul 16, 2017
*** Lieutenant Commander Hanson was a member of Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron 13, Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). On February 3, 1966, he was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. He ejected but was listed as missing. His remains were recovered on November 3, 1988 and identified on February 17, 1989. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
***** Bob's remains were identified and returned to the United States in November, 1988. On May 5, 1989, the remains were buried. "'Even though he was killed 23 years ago, his mission wasn't complete until today - to come home and remind us of his sacrifice and to perpetuate the virtues we hold dear,' said Capt. Gerald Coffee," the pilot of the plane in which they were shot down. Bob's burial was attended by about 100 relatives and friends, including his widow Patricia Hanson (who had remarried as Patricia Pickett. "For about 20 fraternity brothers from Miami University's Delta Chi chapter who served as honorary pallbearers, the funeral was an opportunity to renew friendships with men who came from as far as Florida, Texas, and California." The grave is marked by a metal in-ground plaque. A more complete account of the burial appears in "The Blade" of May 6, 1989.
Contributor: Carl Ingwalson
ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. - Navy - LCDR - O4 Age: 22
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Dec 28, 1942
From: TOLEDO, OH
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married - Patricia Jane Plummer Hanson - Wankal (Remarried in 1972 and lives in GA)from Zanesville, Ohio.
Parents: Father, Robert Taft Hanson, Sr., Born in Ohio March 17, 1914 and died before April 25, 1957. Mother, Dorcas E. Jencks Hanson, Born 1914 in Canada and Died March 5, 1969 in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH at the age of 55 yrs and as a widow.
Brother, Timothy "Tim" M. Hanson (Oxford, OH.), Sister, Margaret "Peggy" E. Hanson (Arizona) and Judith "Judy" Hanson (Salt Lake, Utah). Aunt and Uncle, John A. Hanson of Sylvania, OH.
** Paternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Clifford T. Hanson and Grandmother, Alice Melvin Hanson.
** Maternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Henry Jencks and Grandmother, Claire T. Fifield Jencks, Born in Rhode Island. by 1930 Census she is Divorced and 41 yrs old. She has 4 children. Dorcas E. Jencks-born in Canada, Ruth F. Jencks-Born in New York, Deborah A. Jencks and Barbara Jencks-Both born in Rhode Island.
** Maternal GreatGrandparents: GreatGrandfather, Edward L. Fifield, born in Rhode Island and GreatGrandmother, Carrie E. Fifield, born in Rhode Island.
***** Dorcas E Jencks - in the record of Robert T Hanson and Dorcas E Jencks
Name Robert T Hanson
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 10 Apr 1939
Event Place Lucas, Ohio, United States
Age 25
Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Father's Name Clifford T Hanson
Mother's Name Alice Melvin
Spouse's Name Dorcas E Jencks
Spouse's Age 25
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Spouse's Father's Name Henry Jencks
Spouse's Mother's Name Claire Fifield
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Name: Robert Taft Hanson Jr
[Robert T Hanson Jr]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 28 Dec 1942
Birth Place: Toledo Lucas, Ohio
Death Date: 3 Feb 1966
Father: Robert T Hanson
Mother: Dorcas E Jencks
SSN: 293369580
Notes: Jun 1958: Name listed as ROBERT TAFT HANSON JR; 23 Oct 1996: Name listed as ROBERT T HANSON
Contributor: Floyd Fifield
***** art gelalles - served with him in RVAH-13 CVA-63
The story of a replacement crew-I remember him as a slightly built blondish young man. Serious demeanor. Mr. Hanson (a Ltjg at the time)was a RAN (recon at navigator). He must have come aboard in mid Jan.66 and some old records that I kept reveal that their a/c(our side #605 BUNO 151625 )was lost 3Feb66 about half way between the DMZ and Haiphong just off the coast near Phu Duc, NVN. Mr. Hanson was seen by TOPCAP a/c being taken aboard an NVN fishing vessel but apparently died of injuries. These good people will be forever young in my memory.Rest, AGG
LCDR - O4 - Navy - Regular
Length of service 8 years
In NORTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died captured, FIXED WING - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Panel 04E - Line 135
Other Personnel In Incident: Gerald L. Coffee, released POW, pilot
On February 3, 1966, LCDR ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire.
Their aircraft was hit by enemy fire and was observed to explode and hit the water near the coast of North Vietnam east of Nghe An Province. No parachutes were seen, however an emergency survival radio beeper was heard.
Both Coffee and Hanson successfully ejected and parachuted into the gulf.
Coffee was recovered by one of the boats, and was held prisoner until his release in 1973. He stated that he had seen his navigator Hanson alive in the water about 12 meters away and thought that he had been picked up in one of the other boats.
Lt. Coffee also reported that a guard indicated Lt. Hanson was dead and had been buried on the beach. Coffee was shown his identification card.
*********************************
An article in the February 1, 1973 Quan Doi Nhan Dan (a daily Vietnamese paper), in describing the February 3, 1966 shootdown, stated that, "The militia ...managed to bring the two enemy pilots to shore." Hanson and Coffee's plane was the only aircraft lost within 45 miles of the Gulf of Tonkin that day.
On November 3, 1988, the Vietnamese, who had previously denied knowledge of Lt. Hanson, "discovered" and returned his remains to U.S. control.
******************************
.
*** Greetings! That is not his headstone. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a stone. That photo is the area surrounding his parents marker since he is buried beside them. His mom and dad are both on that marker. The markers are positioned back-to-back like stepping stones and this photo shows that there is no marker beside theirs. The marker above theirs, which would be to the left of the photo, is not their surname so I did not include it in the picture. If you are the memorial-keeper, please put a note that in this cemetery he doesn't have a marker. Thanks, Pamela
Added by Barnard/OConnor/Wolford on Jul 16, 2017
*** Lieutenant Commander Hanson was a member of Reconnaissance Heavy Attack Squadron 13, Carrier Air Wing 11 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). On February 3, 1966, he was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire. He ejected but was listed as missing. His remains were recovered on November 3, 1988 and identified on February 17, 1989. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
***** Bob's remains were identified and returned to the United States in November, 1988. On May 5, 1989, the remains were buried. "'Even though he was killed 23 years ago, his mission wasn't complete until today - to come home and remind us of his sacrifice and to perpetuate the virtues we hold dear,' said Capt. Gerald Coffee," the pilot of the plane in which they were shot down. Bob's burial was attended by about 100 relatives and friends, including his widow Patricia Hanson (who had remarried as Patricia Pickett. "For about 20 fraternity brothers from Miami University's Delta Chi chapter who served as honorary pallbearers, the funeral was an opportunity to renew friendships with men who came from as far as Florida, Texas, and California." The grave is marked by a metal in-ground plaque. A more complete account of the burial appears in "The Blade" of May 6, 1989.
Contributor: Carl Ingwalson
ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. - Navy - LCDR - O4 Age: 22
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Dec 28, 1942
From: TOLEDO, OH
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Married - Patricia Jane Plummer Hanson - Wankal (Remarried in 1972 and lives in GA)from Zanesville, Ohio.
Parents: Father, Robert Taft Hanson, Sr., Born in Ohio March 17, 1914 and died before April 25, 1957. Mother, Dorcas E. Jencks Hanson, Born 1914 in Canada and Died March 5, 1969 in Toledo, Lucas Co., OH at the age of 55 yrs and as a widow.
Brother, Timothy "Tim" M. Hanson (Oxford, OH.), Sister, Margaret "Peggy" E. Hanson (Arizona) and Judith "Judy" Hanson (Salt Lake, Utah). Aunt and Uncle, John A. Hanson of Sylvania, OH.
** Paternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Clifford T. Hanson and Grandmother, Alice Melvin Hanson.
** Maternal Grandparents: Grandfather, Henry Jencks and Grandmother, Claire T. Fifield Jencks, Born in Rhode Island. by 1930 Census she is Divorced and 41 yrs old. She has 4 children. Dorcas E. Jencks-born in Canada, Ruth F. Jencks-Born in New York, Deborah A. Jencks and Barbara Jencks-Both born in Rhode Island.
** Maternal GreatGrandparents: GreatGrandfather, Edward L. Fifield, born in Rhode Island and GreatGrandmother, Carrie E. Fifield, born in Rhode Island.
***** Dorcas E Jencks - in the record of Robert T Hanson and Dorcas E Jencks
Name Robert T Hanson
Event Type Marriage
Event Date 10 Apr 1939
Event Place Lucas, Ohio, United States
Age 25
Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Father's Name Clifford T Hanson
Mother's Name Alice Melvin
Spouse's Name Dorcas E Jencks
Spouse's Age 25
Spouse's Birth Year (Estimated) 1914
Spouse's Father's Name Henry Jencks
Spouse's Mother's Name Claire Fifield
U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
Name: Robert Taft Hanson Jr
[Robert T Hanson Jr]
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 28 Dec 1942
Birth Place: Toledo Lucas, Ohio
Death Date: 3 Feb 1966
Father: Robert T Hanson
Mother: Dorcas E Jencks
SSN: 293369580
Notes: Jun 1958: Name listed as ROBERT TAFT HANSON JR; 23 Oct 1996: Name listed as ROBERT T HANSON
Contributor: Floyd Fifield
***** art gelalles - served with him in RVAH-13 CVA-63
The story of a replacement crew-I remember him as a slightly built blondish young man. Serious demeanor. Mr. Hanson (a Ltjg at the time)was a RAN (recon at navigator). He must have come aboard in mid Jan.66 and some old records that I kept reveal that their a/c(our side #605 BUNO 151625 )was lost 3Feb66 about half way between the DMZ and Haiphong just off the coast near Phu Duc, NVN. Mr. Hanson was seen by TOPCAP a/c being taken aboard an NVN fishing vessel but apparently died of injuries. These good people will be forever young in my memory.Rest, AGG
LCDR - O4 - Navy - Regular
Length of service 8 years
In NORTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died captured, FIXED WING - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Panel 04E - Line 135
Other Personnel In Incident: Gerald L. Coffee, released POW, pilot
On February 3, 1966, LCDR ROBERT TAFT HANSON,JR. was the navigator of a North American Vigilante Fighter (RA-5C) on an intelligence gathering mission over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by enemy fire.
Their aircraft was hit by enemy fire and was observed to explode and hit the water near the coast of North Vietnam east of Nghe An Province. No parachutes were seen, however an emergency survival radio beeper was heard.
Both Coffee and Hanson successfully ejected and parachuted into the gulf.
Coffee was recovered by one of the boats, and was held prisoner until his release in 1973. He stated that he had seen his navigator Hanson alive in the water about 12 meters away and thought that he had been picked up in one of the other boats.
Lt. Coffee also reported that a guard indicated Lt. Hanson was dead and had been buried on the beach. Coffee was shown his identification card.
*********************************
An article in the February 1, 1973 Quan Doi Nhan Dan (a daily Vietnamese paper), in describing the February 3, 1966 shootdown, stated that, "The militia ...managed to bring the two enemy pilots to shore." Hanson and Coffee's plane was the only aircraft lost within 45 miles of the Gulf of Tonkin that day.
On November 3, 1988, the Vietnamese, who had previously denied knowledge of Lt. Hanson, "discovered" and returned his remains to U.S. control.
******************************
.
Inscription
His grave has NO Marker.
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