Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private 1st Class

Unit:

Company L, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army (Company L, 134th Infantry Regiment, 35th Infantry Division "Santa Fe", U.S. Army)

Private First Class William O. Hafner, 12190839, Infantry, United States Army, for heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in the vicinity of ***[Achain], France on 13 November 1944. During an assault on enemy positions located on high ground near ***[Achain], Private Hafner, an ammunition handler, suffered a hand wound as a result of a shell burst. Disregarding his condition, he assumed the duties of first gunner in his 60mm mortar squad which had become depleted, and fired his weapon in support of the company mission. When the initial objective had been attained, Private Hafner carried the mortar and base plate toward the next objective, set up his gun and resumed firing. Thus he continued in action for a period of two and a half hours after he had been wounded, until he was finally ordered to report to an aid station. Private Hafner’s heroic zeal for the accomplishment of his mission and utter disregard for his personal welfare honor his character and training as a soldier.
Entered military service from Washington.

Headquarters 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 57 (18 December 1944).