Born in 1935 in Estonia, Hansmann as a war refugee arrived in Canada with his parents. Educated at Michigan Tech, he volunteered for the US army in 1965 as the war in Vietnam intensified. He was seen as a potential officer. Being wounded twice in Vietnam he was decorated with two Purple Hearts. After a year and a half as a volunteer he was promoted to the rank of captain and after officer training was sent back to Vietnam as a Green Baret.
After Vietnam he achieved his master's degree from Missouri University. This was followed by various postings in the USA and Europe. After a 24-year career in the army Hansmann retired and held a director's position with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. He died on October 17, 2013.
Photogallery – photos by Enn Saumets
Photogallery – photos by Ülo Isberg
