My brother Rick and I organized a surprise presentation of my Dad's POW medal while we are at a family gathering in Washington state on September 3, 1989. Rick was in the Air Force at the time so he popped in at the right time in full uniform. We let a couple family members in on the secret to help us pull it off. It was a very emotional moment and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Afterwards my Dad regaled us with his war experiences as a POW.

Here's the citation I wrote:

---

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY AWARD OF THE UNITED STATES POW MEDAL

Hanson, Richard Franklin (TSGT)

Serial Number: 39193191

702 Squadron, 445 Bomb Group, 8 AF, U.S. Army Air Corps

Radio Operator/Gunner, B-24 Liberator Bomber

POW: 12 Apr 44 - 2 May 45


To Technical Sergeant Richard Franklin Hanson who distinguished himself as a Radio Operator/Gunner onboard a B-24 Liberator bomber as part of the 702nd Squadron in the 445th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force, United States Army Air Corps during World War II.

On April 12, 1944, during his 20th bombing mission over Germany his aircraft was severely damaged by a 20mm cannon projectile and he and the crew were forced to make an emergency parachute jump over enemy held territory.

At great risk to himself and the brave Belgian citizens aiding him, Technical Sergeant Hanson attempted to escape capture by the Germans. His attempt was ill-fated and he was held as a Prisoner Of War (POW) from April 12, 1944 to May 2, 1945. During this period he was forced to march from northern Poland to central Germany, a distance in excess of 250 miles. His conduct as a POW reflects credit upon himself and the U.S. Army Air Corps.

Richard Franklin Hanson, for your bravery and sacrifice in serving your country during World War II, it is our great pleasure and honor to present to you a medal long overdue, the United States POW medal.