I didn't know of the incident but thanks for bringing up, these gallant actions deserved to be remembered.
As does a little known and almost forgotten award of the George Medal to an American airman in East Anglia, Reice Leming, for saving a number of civilians during the 1953 floods. I chanced upon the story just recently. Wonder what became of him and his well deserved medal? I know he took some time to recover from the exertions of his actions.
As for Sgt Hanlon's daughter selling the medal- it's hers to do as she likes and at least it's brought her father's heroism to a wider audience.
Reis Leming is living in Central Oregon and the George Medal is in a frame on the hallway wall along with pictures of his family. We are continually
amazed at the memory of the English people and have been welcomed in Hunstanton and the surrounding area several times. We love it there, we
love the people there and feel at home there. Reis has recently been contacted by a representative of the 67th Air Rescue Squadron (now called the
67th Special Operations Squadron at RAF Mildenhall) regarding the 60th anniversary of the 67th and we hope to be able to attend any ceremonies
for that event in 2012. The Leming family is very proud of Reis and thanks to his former wife, Mary Ann Ramsay Nokes who recently passed away,
we have lots of memorabilia from the flood and more. As of 2011 Reis has 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren and has been
married to Kathy since 1973.