Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Technical Sergeant

Unit:

D Company, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1944

Citation:
"For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Nancy, France, 19 September 1944. During a heavy engagement with the enemy in the vicinity of Nancy on 19 September, an enemy shell burst upon a machine gun emplacement of Company "D", 134th Infantry, killing its crew and breaking the gun's tripod. Sergeant Hansen, a platoon sergeant, seized the gun in his arms, wrapped the belts of ammunition about this shoulders, and advanced, firing the machine gun as he walked toward the enemy. This action enabled the men of his organization to advance to terrain more advantageous cover. Sergeant Hansen then returned, gathered the remaining members of his platoon and, in the face of heavy enemy artillery fire, reorganized them and set up his platoon in positions affording maximum fire in support of the riflemen. He then crawled forward to retrieve a tripod from a wrecked machine gun, thereby enabling an additional machine gun to be put into action. While engaged in directing his platoon in support of the riflemen, Sergeant Hansen was wounded. The courage and daring of Sergeant Hansen, his initiative, resourcefulness, dynamic leadership and disregard for personal safety constitute such gallantry in action as to be in accordance with the traditions of the military service. Entered military service from Nebraska."

Published in the General Orders No. 54, HQ 35th Infantry Division, 30th November 1944.