Chris M. R. Hansen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Chris M. R. Hansen (0-23552), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism as a Rifle Platoon Leader of Company C, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 25 February 1945. Wounded while leading his platoon through intense enemy mortar, artillery and machine-gun fire against strong enemy positions located on commanding ground, First Lieutenant Hansen gallantly continued to lead his platoon until he had succeeded in reaching positions far in advance of adjacent units. While still under intense enemy fire, he organized the position and accomplished the evacuation of the casualties before he permitted himself to be evacuated. His courage and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

SPOT AWARD, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific: Serial 86494