Hansen, Leslie H.

Operation Market Garden

Date of birth:: August 22nd, 1912 (Hoffman/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:: September 28th, 1944 (Near Molenhoek, the Netherlands)
Buried on:: Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial
Plot: P. Row: 1. Grave: 8.
Service number:: 36326521
Nationality:: American

Biography

Killed in action during the fightings near Molenhoek, the Netherlands on 28th September 1944.

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Corporal
Unit:: Battery E, 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: November 30th, 1944

"For gallantry in action on 28 September 1944, near ****, Holland. Corporal Hansen, Squad Leader, Battery E, 80th Airborne Anti-Aircraft Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, effected the destruction of a MARK III German tank by accurate direction of his 57-mm. Anti-Tank Gun. A force estimated at one regiment of infantry supported by tanks attacked airborne positions behind intense concentrations of mortar, artillery and automatic fire. Regardless of the hazardous situation, Corporal Hansen coolly directed fire on the approaching tanks. Two rounds from his gun destroyed one tank, but fire from another tank knocked out his gun and killed Corporal Hansen and two men. His personal bravery and skillful performance of duty under fire were in keeping with the high traditions of the United States Army."

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 61 (posthumously awarded)