World War II Vet Achieves Lifelong Dream
Becomes A Honorary Boy Scout At 86
By Erik Rosales
(KGO) - A World War Two veteran, who says tips from a Boy Scout manual saved his life, got an
honor he's been waiting decades to receive.
Frank and Theresa Hannig of Redwood City were honored for their years of humanitarian work by
the Boy Scouts of America.
"It's very humble inspiring, and makes me want to do more," said Theresa Hannig, 2007
Distinguished Citizen.
The honor hits close to Hannig's heart.
Since the age of 12, he desperately wanted to become a Boy Scout, but it was the age of the
depression, so his family couldn't afford it.
Frank can still remember a dedicated 4th grade teacher noticed his desire and gave him a Scout
Handbook, which he read intently.
"We lived in a semi-rural area, and she lived in the city. So she went to a book store and bought
me the Boy Scout Manual, which I had 'til I came back from the war, then it disappeared," said
Frank Hannig, 2007 Distinguished Citizen.
During one of Hannig's missions as a Naval Aviator, his plane went down in the South China Sea.
Techniques he remembered from his Scout Handbook helped him and his crew survive for nearly 2
days before being rescued.
To his surprise, at 86 years young, Hannig fulfilled his dream.
He was also presented a 1933 edition of the Boy Scout handbook.
"Now I'm a Scout finally," said Hannig.
The dinner is expected to raise $100,000. The money that will help fund scout programs toundeserved and needy individuals in the Bay Area.
Copyright 2007, ABC7/KGO-TV/DT.
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