As a lead bombardier, 379th bomb Group (Heavy), 524 Squadron, First Lieutenant Hanes flew with Pilots Arvid C. Dahl, Andrew B. Cero and John L. Swanner. He flew many missions with Navigator John P. Hughes.



His last mission, his 26th, was on 16 Feb 1945, with pilot Creo, to Langendeer, Germany as the B17 Bomber Group's Lead Bombardier. During the bomb run, approaching the target through heavy anti-aircraft fire, flack burst through the plexiglass nose, striking Hanes in the chest, ejecting him from his seat over the bomb sight. Although seriously wounded and bleeding profusely, Hanes returned to the bomb sight, maintained course and released bombs over the target while signaling the other bombardiers in the group to do the same.



First Lieutenant Hanes survived the return flight to Kimbolton. His injuries included the loss of his left lung. He spent much of the next two years in military hostitals in London, Memphis and Cleveland.



Upon returning home, Hanes continued his career as a teacher and basketball coach. He and his wife Jerry Mckee Hanes, had one son, Steven.