Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private First Class (Marine)

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as a fire team leader of a Marine infantry battalion on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 1 March 1945. During the afternoon, the company of which Private First Class Hanson was a member was attacking a heavily fortified enemy held hill position. The company was being held up in the assault by intense enemy rifle, machine gun and mortar fire from concealed emplacements and was suffering heavy casualties. Movement of personnel at that time was extremely hazardous, but Private First Class Hanson, fully aware of the peril of his mission, voluntarily moved through the enemy barrage and returned across open terrain to the company command post. Having informed the company commander of the situation, he led stretcher-bearers through a covered route to a position where they could evacuate the wounded. He then returned across the exposed area to his own position. Private First Class Hanson’s resolute courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.