On January 14, 1944, the United States Marine Corps Aviation's Fighting Squadron 215, known as the Fighting Corsairs, was in the heat of a critical mission covering a flight of bombers targeting enemy shipping.
As Fighting Corsairs approached Simpson Harbor, Rabaul, a major Japanese stronghold, they were intercepted by a superior number of Japanese fighter aircraft. The skies erupted into a whirlwind of combat, with shells shooting out, explosions lighting up the already bright sky, radio chatter filled with urgent commands, and smoke trails from damaged aircraft.
Amidst the chaos, a single pilot found himself cut off from his squadron. But this was no ordinary man; this was First Lieutenant Robert Hanson.
Alone and facing overwhelming odds, Hanson didn't waver. Instead, he single-handedly engaged the enemy, destroying five aircraft despite being low on ammunition and fuel.
This incredible feat earned him the nickname "The Terror of Rabaul."
In the following two weeks, Hanson, one of the greatest pilots in the Pacific Theater, would go on to down 15 more.
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