The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private Francis Hansen (ASN: 32788480), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 17 July 1944. When the advance of his company was held up by enemy machine gun and automatic weapons fire from a hedgerow to the front, Private Hansen, accompanied by another soldier, crawled forward and moved along the hedgerow throwing grenades into the enemy positions and returning grenades thrown in their direction by the enemy. The intrepid actions of Private Hansen, his courage, initiative and utter disregard for personal safety were directly responsible for the destruction of two enemy machine gun positions and inflicting numerous casualties upon enemy forces in this area, enabling his unit to resume its advance. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.