Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

Company E, 2nd Battalion, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division "Trailblazers", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

May 11th, 1945

For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy. On the night of 6 February 1945 Lieutenant Hafner's Company was pinned down by intense machine-gun, rifle and grenade fire during an attack near Oeting, France. Armed with a rocket launcher Lieutenant Hafner fearlessly led two men against the enemy positions and forced the surrender of three Germans in the nearest emplacement. He then moved a squad forward and cleared two connecting dugouts, taking six more prisoners. At daylight he again distinguished himself by leading four men against by-passed positions, killing one of the defenders, bayoneting another and capturing seven prisoners. Lieutenant Hafner's heroic leadership and his inspiring, courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military service.

Reg. nr. 0554721. Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 100 (May 11, 1945).