COLONEL MARK J. HANNA, (then Lt.), was commanding an infantry company and distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against the enemy near Kumhwa on 19 October, 1952. The company was occupying positions on a strategic hill under intense assault from hostile forces. When Lieutenant Hanna was ordered to reinforce elements of two other companies defending an area in great danger of enemy penetration, he immediately moved his men through a heavy barrage of small-arms, artillery and mortar fire to the threatened sector. Finding a confused and disorganized group of men whose officers had all been killed or wounded, Lieutenant Hanna assummed command and quickly deployed the small force in the most advantageous positions. Though hampered by darkness, and unfamiliar with the new men under his control, Lieutenant Hanna repeatedly exposed himself to deadly fire in order to set up the most effective defense of the vital hill. Observing a machine gunner who had been wounded, Lieutenant Hanna took control of the weapon and delivered accurate fire into the enemy ranks until he was seriously wounded himself. Lieutenant Hanna refused evacuation until he was certain that his men were fully organized and under competant leadership. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Hanna on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.

COL Hanna joined the Legion of Valor in 1970 and resides in New York.