Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighter Squadron 112 (VMF-112), Carrier Air Group 82, U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20), U.S. Navy

Awarded on:

January 26th, 1948

CItation:
"For extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), embarked from the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Amami-O-Shima, Japan, on 12 April 1945. Leading a flight of twelve carrier-based fighter planes against a numerically superior force of hostile aircraft, Major Hansen skillfully shot down three enemy fighters and aided his squadron in destroying or seriously damaging the entire formation. On returning to base, he again led his flight in destroying a formation of enemy dive bombers which were attempting to make suicide attacks on our surface forces. A superb leader and airman, Major Hansen contributed to the destruction of twenty enemy aircraft and to the infliction of crippling damage on six others, returning his entire flight to base, intact and undamaged. His gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0558 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighter Squadron 112 (VMF-112), Carrier Air Group 82, U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Area on 16 and 17 February 1945. Despite antiaircraft fire and adverse weather conditions, Major Hanson skillfully led his flight in carrying out low level strafing attacks on three Japanese airfields which resulted in the destruction of nineteen grounded aircraft, the crippling of seventeen others and the damaging of airfield installations. On the following day, he expertly shot down an enemy plane attacking his formation. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighter Squadron 112 (VMF-112), Carrier Air Group 82, U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Kyushu, Japan on 18 March 1945. While approaching the target, Major Hansen braved strong aerial opposition and antiaircraft fire to assist in shooting down nine hostile fighter interceptors and inflicting damage on seven others. Then, leading two successful strikes on a major enemy airfield, he directed his flight in the destruction of two hostile planes on the ground, the silencing of two antiaircraft positions and in setting the hangar area afire. Later, he engaged in additional attacks and contributed materially to the sinking of two small ships and the damaging of a radio station, subsequently returning his formation to base without injury to personnel or damage to aircraft. His inspiring leadership, skill and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Second Silver Star Medal awarded in the form of a golden star to be worn on the ribbon of the first Silver Star Medal.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Marine Fighter Squadron 112 (VMF-112), Carrier Air Group 82, U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20), U.S. Navy

Citation:
"For heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of a Fighter Airplane in Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), in action in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II."