The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) William W. Hansen (ASN: 0-5708999), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 9 December 1968 while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance mission when they were called to act as a reaction force for some beleaguered friendly forces approximately four kilometers away. Captain Hansen immediately led his troop through the jungle to the fierce fire fight. Shortly before reaching the contact zone, another enemy force suddenly engaged them with small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire. Quickly and professionally reorganizing his force, Captain Hansen led the frontal assault against the well concealed hostile fortifications and successfully defeated that small force. After reaching the other friendly group his troop was met again by intense barrages of antitank grenade fire. Captain Hansen quickly appraised the situation and established an emergency aid station. He then integrated his troop with Troop A, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry to mount an assault against the hostile emplacements. With complete disregard for his own safety he exposed himself to the enemy volleys while coordinating mounted and dismounted elements with precise artillery and air strikes. He made certain that fire power was increased until the hostile force was forced to withdraw. His aggressive actions and leadership turned the battle into a successful victory over the large North Vietnamese Army force resulting in thirty enemy killed and no friendly casualties after Troop C arrived. Captain Hansen’s unwavering devotion to duty and complete disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) William W. Hansen (ASN: 0-5708999), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 27 November 1968 while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date in the vicinity of Loc Ninh Captain Hansen was leading his troop in a combined reconnaissance in force operation when it suddenly came under intensive small arms, automatic weapons and antitank rocket fire from an enemy force occupying a well-fortified base camp. Captain Hansen immediately formed his troop into an assault formation and advanced toward the entrenched enemy. When his machine gunner was wounded Captain Hansen, though completely exposed to the hostile fire, administered emergency first aid and helped in his evacuation. Later, when the troop’s forward progress was temporarily halted due to the heavy concentration of hostile fire, Captain Hansen bypassed the enemy and directing intense and precise air and artillery strikes, personally led renewal assaults against the hostile positions. Simultaneously, he manned a machine gun and accounted for the destruction of two enemy positions. Captain Hansen’s leadership, unwavering devotion to duty and complete disregard of personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.