The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Mons L. Hansen (ASN: 0-551473), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 254th Infantry Regiment, 63d Infantry Division, in action on 24 – 25 April 1945, in the vicinity of Leipheim, Germany. Lieutenant Hansen, intelligence and reconnaissance platoon leader, was leading his platoon in skirmishes with the enemy. When his unit was held up by enemy fire, Lieutenant Hansen dismounted from his vehicle and, firing his submachine gun, walked toward the enemy with his platoon sergeant. He succeeded in capturing a company commander, his staff and, in the course of the action, the remnants of the company. The outstanding leadership and gallant action of Lieutenant Hansen reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the Armed Forces of the United States.