The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Harry Frederick Hansen (ASN: 0-1018746), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the siege of Aachen, Germany, on 9 October 1944. During an engagement with the enemy, our forces were halted by fire from a well concealed enemy tank. Captain Hansen fearlessly advanced on foot to locate the enemy tank, although he was subjected all the way to increasingly heavy enemy small arms and mortar fire. When the tank was found, he commandeered an M10 tank destroyer which was in the area, in order to attack the tank before it could move to a new position. Climbing to the turret of the tank destroyer, he rode in this exposed and vulnerable position directing the drive rover the route which he had selected. As a result of his excellent reconnaissance, he was able to direct the tank destroyer into a position from which it destroyed the enemy tank before any return fire was possible. Captain Hansen’s heroic achievement made possible an important tactical victory. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hansen, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.