1LT Harry F Hansen

1LT Harry F HansenFirst Lieutenant HARRY F. HANSEN, 743rd Tank Battalion, United States Army. For extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 31 July 1944, in France. While advancing upon the town of Troisgats, an infantry company encountered fierce machine gun fire from three dug-in enemy tanks and an assault gun, forcing the men to take cover. Upon observing that the advance had bogged down, First Lieutenant hansen dismounted from his tank and, disregarding the heavy volume of machine gun and small arms fire, located two infantrymen armed with rocket-launchers. Courageously, he led them through the enemy lines and personally placed them in position. With calm efficiency, he directed their fire upon two of the hostile tanks, causing them to burst into flames. The third tank withdrew in haste. First Lieutenant Hansen, at the risk of his life, then crawled alone through heavy small arms fire and located the assault gun. Returning to his tank, he called for artillery fire and skillfully adjusted it upon the assault-gun, knocking it out of action. The personal bravery and heroic leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Hansen are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

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