Robert J. Hanson
Actor
About Robert J. Hanson
Robert J. Hanson was an American serviceman who served as a ball turret gunner aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress 'Memphis Belle' during World War II. He gained historical recognition as one of the ten crew members who completed 25 combat missions over Europe, making them one of the first American bomber crews to achieve this milestone. Hanson appeared as himself in the 1944 documentary film 'The Memphis Belle,' directed by William Wyler, which chronicled the crew's final mission. The film was produced by the U.S. Army Air Forces as both a propaganda piece and a historical record of aerial combat. Hanson's role as a ball turret gunner was particularly dangerous, as he operated from a cramped, exposed position beneath the aircraft's fuselage. Following the war, like many of his fellow crew members, Hanson returned to civilian life, though specific details about his post-war career remain limited in historical records.
The Craft
Milestones
- Completed 25 combat missions as ball turret gunner
- Featured in Academy Award-nominated documentary 'The Memphis Belle' (1944)
- Member of first B-17 crew to complete full combat tour
- Participated in war bond tours following completion of missions
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Air Medal with multiple oak leaf clusters
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with multiple battle stars
- World War II Victory Medal
Special Recognition
- Memorialized at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
- Featured in the Memphis Belle exhibit at various aviation museums
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Robert J. Hanson, as part of the Memphis Belle crew, contributed significantly to American wartime morale and the historical record of aerial combat. The documentary featuring Hanson and his crewmates provided Americans with an unprecedented glimpse into the realities of strategic bombing operations. Their story helped humanize the air war effort and became a powerful propaganda tool that encouraged enlistment and war bond purchases. The crew's achievement of completing 25 missions established a benchmark that would become standard for bomber crews throughout the remainder of the war.
Lasting Legacy
Hanson's legacy is preserved through the enduring story of the Memphis Belle, which has been retold in numerous books, documentaries, and feature films. The original aircraft has been restored and displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, serving as a testament to the bravery of Hanson and his crewmates. His participation in one of the most significant wartime documentaries ensures that his contribution to the Allied victory will be remembered by future generations studying World War II history.
Who They Inspired
As a non-professional actor appearing in a major wartime documentary, Hanson helped establish the genre of combat documentary filmmaking. The authentic portrayal of actual servicemen performing their duties influenced subsequent military documentaries and set a standard for realism in war films. The Memphis Belle crew's story continues to inspire modern filmmakers and historians seeking to accurately portray the experiences of aerial combat during World War II.
Off Screen
Robert J. Hanson was one of the ten crew members of the historic Memphis Belle bomber. After completing his combat tour and participating in the documentary film, he returned to civilian life following the end of World War II. Like many veterans of his generation, he sought to reintegrate into American society, though specific details about his post-war career and family life remain largely undocumented in public historical records.
Did You Know?
- Ball turret gunners had the highest casualty rate among B-17 crew positions
- The ball turret was only 4 feet in diameter, requiring gunners to be under 5'8" tall
- Hanson and the crew toured 32 American cities promoting war bonds after completing their missions
- The Memphis Belle was named after the pilot's sweetheart, Margaret Polk
- William Wyler flew combat missions to film the documentary, risking his life to capture authentic footage
- The original Memphis Belle aircraft was nearly scrapped in 1946 but was saved through public petition
- The crew's 25th mission was to bomb the submarine pens at Lorient, France
- The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert J. Hanson?
Robert J. Hanson was an American serviceman who served as a ball turret gunner aboard the B-17 bomber 'Memphis Belle' during World War II. He gained recognition as one of the first bomber crew members to complete 25 combat missions over Europe and appeared in the 1944 documentary film about the aircraft's final mission.
What films is Robert J. Hanson known for?
Robert J. Hanson is known for appearing in the 1944 documentary 'The Memphis Belle,' where he played himself as the aircraft's ball turret gunner. This was his only film appearance, as he was an actual military serviceman rather than a professional actor.
What was Robert J. Hanson's role in World War II?
Hanson served as a ball turret gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress 'Memphis Belle,' one of the most dangerous positions on the aircraft. He completed 25 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, making him part of the first American bomber crew to achieve this milestone.
What awards did Robert J. Hanson receive?
Hanson received multiple military decorations for his service, including the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal for his heroic service as a ball turret gunner.
How accurate was the portrayal in 'The Memphis Belle' documentary?
The documentary was highly authentic as it featured the actual crew members, including Robert J. Hanson, performing their real duties during combat missions. Director William Wyler flew several combat missions himself to capture genuine footage, making it one of the most realistic wartime documentaries ever produced.
What happened to the Memphis Belle after the war?
The original Memphis Belle aircraft was preserved and is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio. The crew, including Hanson, participated in war bond tours across America before returning to civilian life after the war ended.
Learn More
Films
1 film
