The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Mark James Hanna (ASN: 0-62760), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Company of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. First Lieutenant Hanna distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Kumhwa, Korea, on 19 October, 1952. On that date, Lieutenant Hanna’s company was occupying positions on a strategic hill under intense assault from hostile forces. When Lieutenant Hanna was ordered to reinforce elements of two other companies defending an area in great danger of enemy penetration, he immediately moved his men through a heavy barrage of small-arms, artillery and mortar fire to the threatened sector. Finding a confused and disorganized group of men whose officers had all been killed or wounded, Lieutenant Hanna assumed command and quickly deployed the small force in the most advantageous positions. Though hampered by darkness, and unfamiliar with the new men under his control, Lieutenant Hanna repeatedly exposed himself to deadly fire in order to set up the most effective defense of the vital hill. Observing a machine gunner who had been wounded, Lieutenant Hanna took control of the weapon and delivered accurate fire into the enemy ranks until he was seriously wounded himself. Lieutenant Hanna refused evacuation until he was certain that his men were fully organized and under competent leadership. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Hanna on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.