Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Marine Corps
Dale Merlin Hansen
Details
- Rank: Private
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines,
1st Marine Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
- Medal of Honor Action Date: May 7, 1945
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Okinawa Shima, Ryukyu Islands
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, 7 May 1945. Cool and courageous in combat, Pvt. Hansen unhesitatingly took the initiative during a critical stage of the action and, armed with a rocket launcher, crawled to an exposed position where he attacked and destroyed a strategically located hostile pillbox. With his weapon subsequently destroyed by enemy fire, he seized a rifle and continued his one-man assault. Reaching the crest of a ridge, he leaped across, opened fire on six Japanese, and killed four before his rifle jammed. Attacked by the remaining two Japanese, he beat them off with the butt of his rifle and then climbed back to cover. Promptly returning with another weapon and supply of grenades, he fearlessly advanced, destroyed a strong mortar position, and annihilated eight more of the enemy. In the forefront of battle throughout this bitterly waged engagement, Pvt. Hansen, by his indomitable determination, bold tactics, and complete disregard of all personal danger, contributed essentially to the success of his company's mission and to the ultimate capture of this fiercely defended outpost of the Japanese Empire. His great personal valor in the face of extreme peril reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Nebraska
- Awarded Posthumously: Yes
- Presentation Date & Details: May 30, 1946
Presented to his parents at Wisner, Nebraska by USMC Recruiting Office - Born: December 13, 1922, Wisner, Cuming County, NE, United States
- Died: May 11, 1945, Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands
- Buried: Wisner Cemetery (MH) (11-88-F), Wisner, NE, United States