*HANSEN, DALE MERLIN
Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Marine
Corps. Born: 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.
