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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Herman Hansen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6389), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Assistant Wing Photographic Officer of the FIRST and SECOND Marine Aircraft Wings at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, from 10 November 1942 to 6 February 1943. Piloting an unarmored plane which was also without armament, Captain Hansen, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, performed eighty highly significant reconnaissance and photographic flights over Guadalcanal, Malaita and Santa Isabel Islands. Under frequent fire from Japanese anti-aircraft batteries, he was once injured when shot down and forced to land in water subjected to enemy gunfire, but, displaying valiant courage and unswerving devotion to duty, he voluntarily returned to his tasks the next day. Despite the hazards of flying at low altitudes over enemy territory and in air continuously patrolled by hostile aircraft, Captain Hansen was able to obtain much valuable information of the enemy’s dispositions, thereby contributing greatly to the success of the campaign. His untiring efforts, keen judgment and coolness under fire provided an excellent example to all personnel associated with him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    December 8, 1942 – February 6, 1943
    Headquarters, United States Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 66 (March 12, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Army Award) to Captain Herman Hansen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6389), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights from 8 December 1942 to 6 February 1943, over Guadalcanal. In the course of these flights, on photographic missions, Captain Hansen flew very low over the enemy on three occasions in order to drop leaflets in an effort to effect their surrender. These flights frequently drew hostile fire. On 11 January, his plane was badly damaged by enemy fire to the extent that a forced landing in the ocean was necessary. By skillful maneuvering he succeeded in piloting his airplane to a point only a short distance from friendly forces. Captain Hansen was injured but, after surgical treatment was administered, he resumed his daily flights until his relief arrived and he was transferred to another area. By his efforts Captain Hansen contributed important military information to the success of the Operations.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    April 12, 1945
    SPOT AWARD, Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0558 (SofN Signed January 26, 1948)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Major Herman Hansen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6389), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer and a Pilot of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), embarked from the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Amami-O-Shima, Japan, on 12 April 1945. Leading a flight of twelve carrier-based fighter planes against a numerically superior force of hostile aircraft, Major Hansen skillfully shot down three enemy fighters and aided his squadron in destroying or seriously damaging the entire formation. On returning to base, he again led his flight in destroying a formation of enemy dive bombers which were attempting to make suicide attacks on our surface forces. A superb leader and airman, Major Hansen contributed to the destruction of twenty enemy aircraft and to the infliction of crippling damage on six others, returning his entire flight to base, intact and undamaged. His gallant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    February 16 & 17, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0278

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major Herman Hansen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6389), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighting Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Tokyo Area on 16 and 17 February 1945. Despite antiaircraft fire and adverse weather conditions, Major Hanson skillfully led his flight in carrying out low level strafing attacks on three Japanese airfields which resulted in the destruction of nineteen grounded aircraft, the crippling of seventeen others and the damaging of airfield installations. On the following day, he expertly shot down an enemy plane attacking his formation. His initiative, courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bennington (CV-20)

    Action Date:

    March 18, 1945
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0592

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major Herman Hansen, Jr. (MCSN: 0-6389), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-112), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against enemy Japanese forces at Kyushu, Japan on 18 March 1945. While approaching the target, Major Hansen braved strong aerial opposition and antiaircraft fire to assist in shooting down nine hostile fighter interceptors and inflicting damage on seven others. Then, leading two successful strikes on a major enemy airfield, he directed his flight in the destruction of two hostile planes on the ground, the silencing of two antiaircraft positions and in setting the hangar area afire. Later, he engaged in additional attacks and contributed materially to the sinking of two small ships and the damaging of a radio station, subsequently returning his formation to base without injury to personnel or damage to aircraft. His inspiring leadership, skill and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.