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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Herman Henry Hanneken (MCSN: 0-392), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands on 2 and 3 November 1942. After Lieutenant Colonel Hanneken had brought his battalion into a position on the beach east of Metapona River, an out-numbering hostile force affected a landing near his flan and succeeded in establishing a beachhead for future operations. Although extremely handicapped by an untenable position, the battalion, in a separate fight against tremendous odds inflicted heavy casualties upon the Japanese landing force until Lieutenant Colonel Hanneken withdrew to a more advantageous position and launched a successful attack. His courageous leadership and cool judgment under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    1st Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d’Haiti)

    Action Date:

    March 31 – April 1, 1920
    Authority – USMC CommuniquŽ: 0392-3-1 AG-25-jhp (21 July 1921)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Herman Henry Hanneken (MCSN: 0-392), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism displayed on the night of March 31 – 1 April 1920, by advancing into the camp of Osiris Joseph, a notorious bandit leader, while serving with the First Provisional Brigade of Marines (Gendarmerie d’Haiti). With admirable disregard of danger, Lieutenant Hanneken, leading a small detail, advanced to within about fifteen feet of Osiris Joseph, who was surrounded by his followers, shot and killed him, thereby ridding the country of a bandit who had long terrorized Northern Haiti. In addition to the courage displayed, the resourcefulness shown, and the careful planning necessary to accomplish his mission are worthy of the highest praise.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Division:

    Gendarmerie d’Haiti

    Action Date:

    October 31 & November 1, 1919
    War Department, General Orders No. 536, June 10 (1920)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Second Lieutenant Herman Henry Hanneken (MCSN: 0-392), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in actual conflict with the enemy near Grande Riviere, Republic of Haiti, on the night of 31 October – 1 November 1919, resulting in the death of Charlemagne Peralte, the supreme bandit chief in the Republic of Haiti, and the killing, capture, and dispersal of about 1,200 of his outlaw followers. Second Lieutenant Hanneken not only distinguished himself by his excellent judgment and leadership but also unhesitatingly exposed himself to great personal danger when the slightest error would have forfeited not only his life but the lives of the detachments of gendarmerie under his command. The successful termination of his mission will undoubtedly prove of untold value to the Republic of Haiti.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Guardia Nacional de Nicaragua

    Action Date:

    December 11, 1928 – June 30, 1929
    Authority – USMC CommuniquŽ: 0392-1-3 (19 March 1930)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Herman Henry Hanneken (MCSN: 0-392), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement, zeal untiring and most successful efforts during active service in the Northern Area of the Republic of Nicaragua from 11 December 1928 until 30 June 1929. In command of a combined Marine and Nicaraguan Voluntario combat patrol First Lieutenant Hanneken had many successful contacts with the bandits during which he distinguished himself by his gallantry. His courage and ability are exceptional and his operations against bandits were of great value in the suppression of banditry in this area.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Action Date:

    September 15 – October 20, 1944
    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps, 1861 – 1955: Jane Blakeney

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Herman Henry Hanneken (MCSN: 0-392), United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Pacific Theater of Operations during the period from 15 September through 20 October 1944.