A Commendation
| U.S.S. Hanson (DDR-832) C/O Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California UNDERWAY |
Sunrise:0634 Sunset: Time Zone:- 11 (L) Thursday 12 December 1957 |
DUTY MAA: BORDELON, MM2 |
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
OFF.& CPO'S S/D Blue "B" ENLISTED MEN: Undress Blue "B" |
WORKING UNIFORM
Wash Khaki Dungarees with blue cap |
SHIP'S ROUTINE
Carry out the normal routine as prescribed in Chapter 2, U.S.S. Hanson
Organization and Regulation Manual, except as modified below:
0800 Quarters for muster and inspection
.... Be prepared to recieve observers from the Stembel, weather permitting
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. The following letter of congratualtions was received by the HANSON from the Commander U.S. Naval Forces
Philippines:
"1. The Commander U.S. Naval Forces as Commander in Chief Pacific Representative,
Philippines has received a letter of appreciation form Major General John B. Ackerman,
Commander Thirteenth Air Force as quoted.
- "Dear Admiral Cruise:
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the United States Naval Forces, particularly to the personell of the destroyer USS HANSON, for the assistance they provided a United States Air Force rescue crew on 29 and 30 October 1957.
On 26 October a six man SA-16 crew of the 31st Air Rescue Squadron, Clark Air Base, was dispatched to Spratly Island to effect the medical evacuation of a critically ill USAF enlisted man. Upon an attempted takeoff from the isloated island, the aircraft struck a submerged reef or object. Despite desperate efforts by the crew, the aircraft capsized and had to be abandoned. All personell, including the patient, made shore safely.
An additional SA-16 was dispatched on 27 and 28 October in attempts to complete the original mission. This was not possible, however, because of extremely rough seas. A request was made to Commander, Naval Forces, Philippines for assistance which was readily given. The USS HANSON was diverted to recover the crew and the patient on 29 October and returned them safely to Subic Bay on 30 October. The landing at the island site by United States Naval Personell was accomplished under extreme difficulties and the element of danger due to coral reefs and rough seas.
The most cooperative spirit, efficiency, and alacrity with which the United States Navy completed the rescue has earned the praise not only of the personell involved, but of the entire Thirteeth Air Force.
Personell of the USS HANSON are deserving of special recognition for a job well done.
Sincerely yours,
/p/ John B. Ackerman
JOHN B. ACKERMAN
Major General, United States Air Force
Commander"
2. I congratulate the officers and crew of the USS HANSON for a job well done.
/s/ E. A. Cruise
E. A. CRUISE"
© 1999, Larry Newman