Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant (Lieutenant)

Unit:

3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Citation:
Roy M. Hanna, (O-1287522), First Lieutenant, Infantry, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action, on 8 February 1944, near Carroceto, Italy. During a long and sustained attack against strong enemy positions a company suffered heavy casualties and lost its combat effectiveness. Because of the critical nature of the situation, First Lieutenant Hanna was ordered to reorganize the company and launch a diversionary attack to lessen pressure on another unit attacking the objective from the opposite direction. First Lieutenant Hanna successfully withdrew the elements of the company still in contact with the enemy, reorganized the unit and led his men in an assault against overwhelming enemy odds. While exposing himself to heavy enemy fire in order to lead his unit, he received a rifle bullet through the chest. In spite of his wound, First Lieutenant Hanna personally led the attack until he collapsed unconscious on the field. His courageous performance and his gallant leadership inspired his men to press the attack and to complete the mission successfully.