Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division "The Old Breed", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

July 10th, 1951

Awarded for:

Operation Stalemate II

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Henry W. Hahn (MCSN: 382946), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of an assault platoon in Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 15 and 16 September 1944. Observing four of the enemy setting up a heavy machine gun in a position which seriously threatened his squad, Corporal Hahn crawled forward and, with unerring aim, tossed hand grenades into the hostile position, killing three of the Japanese and forcing the other to flee. Having captured the gun, he continued to lead his men in a furious running assault against hostile positions defending the north end of the beach, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile troops and winning new positions for the friendly forces. Twice during the night and early on the morning of 16 September when the enemy launched bitter counterattacks, he expertly directed the fire of his unit and was instrumental in repulsing the assaults with great damage to the enemy force. Later in the day, although he had been wounded by shrapnel, he steadfastly refused to discontinue his efforts, led his squad in a reconnaissance patrol and, upon encountering a numerically superior hostile force, drove them back with rifles and hand grenades, permitting himself to be evacuated only after he had accomplished his mission and returned to friendly lines. His outstanding courage, determined leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Hahn and the United States Naval Service.

Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 701: Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on July 10, 1951.