HANSEN, DALE MERLIN - Medal of Honor Recipient
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine Corps. Birth: 13 December
1922, Wisner, Nebr. Accredited to: Nebraska. Citation: For conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the 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 1-man assault. Reaching the crest of a ridge, he leaped across,
opened fire on 6 Japanese and killed 4 before his rifle jammed. Attacked
by the remaining 2 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 8 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.
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