"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division, in action against enemy
Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryūkyū Chain,
7 May 1945. Cool and courageous in combat, Private 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 one-man assault. Reaching the crest of a ridge, he
leaped across, opened fire on six Japanese and killed four before his
rifle jammed. Attacked by the remaining two Japanese, he beat them off
with the butt of his rifle and then climbed back to cover. Promptly
returning with another weapon and a supply of grenades, he fearlessly advanced, destroyed a strong mortar
position and annihilated eight more of the enemy. In the forefront of
battle throughout this bitterly waged engagement, Private 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 United States Naval Service."
From Pvt. Hansen's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on May 30 1946.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Melonie
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