The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant Omer J. Hanson (MCSN: 0-21421), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Mortar Section Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on 4 May 1945. When his forward observer was wounded, First Lieutenant Hanson voluntarily took over the observation post defying deadly enemy mortar and machine gun blasts in order to observe and direct the firing of his weapons. By his outstanding initiative, valiant fortitude and self-sacrificing devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Hanson contributed in a large measure to the advance of his company during a critical period and his unfaltering leadership throughout the bitter conflict upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.