The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry), Herbert Andrew Hansen (ASN: 0-2055398), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 January 1944, in the vicinity of Cervero, Italy. Second Lieutenant Hansen led his company in an assault on strong enemy positions. As the attack progressed his company became pinned down by intense machine gun fire. Second Lieutenant Hansen took an automatic rifle and advanced around the flank of the machine gun nest in order to fire point blank at the enemy. Alone and unaided, he fired into the enemy group and destroyed the position, allowing his company to continue the attack. Firing his automatic rifle as he advanced, Second Lieutenant Hansen led his men in breaking all enemy resistance and in securing the objective. During this action he was mortally wounded, but refused to be evacuated until his company had obtained its objective. Second Lieutenant Hansen’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 34th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.