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Submitted: 11/20/13 • Approved: 11/21/13 • Last Updated: 11/24/13 • R265227-G0-S3
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War II in the United States Marine Corps as a Private in Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain on May 7, 1945. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with in action against enemy Japanese forces. Cool and courageous in combat, Pvt. Hansen unhesitatingly took the initiative during a critical stage of the action and, armed with a rocket launcher, crawled to an exposed position where he attacked and destroyed a strategically located hostile pillbox. With his weapon subsequently destroyed by enemy fire, he seized a rifle and continued his 1-man assault. Reaching the crest of a ridge, he leaped across, opened fire on 6 Japanese and killed 4 before his rifle jammed. Attacked by the remaining 2 Japanese, he beat them off with the butt of his rifle and then climbed back to cover. Promptly returning with another weapon and supply of grenades, he fearlessly advanced, destroyed a strong mortar position and annihilated 8 more of the enemy. In the forefront of battle throughout this bitterly waged engagement, Pvt. Hansen, by his indomitable determination, bold tactics and complete disregard of all personal danger, contributed essentially to the success of his company's mission and to the ultimate capture of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His great personal valor in the face of extreme peril reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service". His Medal was posthumously awarded to him.
Contributed on 11/20/13 by blplek
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Record #: 265227