Ernest A. Hansen
Humboldt Standard
Friday, March 9, 1945 pg. 1 “Fortuna Youth: Lost In Action” FORTUNA, March 9- Mr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Hansen of Fortuna were notified by the War Department Wednesday night, their son, Lt. Ernest A. Hansen has been reported missing in action over Germany since February 16. The young lieutenant is the pilot on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the 8th Air Force, 401st Bombardment Group, in England. Hansen has completed many missions over Germany and has been awarded the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster. The latter medal was awarded for extraordinary achievement in piloting the Fortress to a safe landing after it had been crippled on a bombing mission over Germany, November 30. Lt. Hansen, who is a graduate of the Fortuna High school and Woodbury Business college of Los Angeles, was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad company in Los Angeles, prior to his enlistment in the Air Force. He received his advance training at Douglas, Arizona, and left for overseas duty in September 1944. |