The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Oscar T. Hanson, Jr. (MCSN: 481463), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Rifle Squad of Company E, Second Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, FOURTH Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands on 5 March 1945. When his company was pinned down by enemy rifle and machine gun fire and unable to advance, Corporal Hanson unhesitatingly exposed himself to this fire in order to find a route over which his squad could continue the advance. Moving forward with a minimum of casualties, he launched a concerted and relentless attack on several bunkers which were destroyed, and personally put out of action a heavy enemy machine gun. By removing these obstacles, Corporal Hanson opened the way for his company to continue the advance and gain its objective. His skill in combat, aggressive initiative and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit on Corporal Hanson and the United States Naval Service.