Hasler received the Distinguished Service Order for Operation Frankton, although a Victoria Cross was also considered. The reason given for withholding the VC was that enemy sentries had not fired on the canoe crews, so the action was judged outside its requirement for bravery in the face of the enemy. A sentry nevertheless shone a torch toward the raiders. The disputed point is whether that exposure already met the requirement despite the absence of gunfire. Keeping award criteria consistent also mattered because an exceptional decision would establish a precedent.
Notable Point · 1:02:29-1:03:34
Why Hasler received a DSO rather than a Victoria Cross
Hasler received the DSO after the absence of enemy gunfire was treated as a reason to withhold the Victoria Cross, despite the danger of working beside enemy ships.