Henry W Hahn

Service details

At the time of the service for which he was decorated, Corporal Hahn was serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines Regiment, 1st Marine Division. On the 15th and 16 September 1944, the battalion were in action against Japanese forces on Peleliu in the Palau Islands. Hahn was engaged as a Squad Leader of an assault platoon in Company K. He saw that the enemy were installing a machine gun in a position that posed a serious threat to his squad, and so crawled to the Japanese gun location. Hahn then threw hand grenades into the hostile position and captured the gun after three of the four soldiers who were installing it were killed and the other fled.

After capturing the gun, Hahn led his men in a furious running assault against Japanese defenses at the north end of the beach, winning new positions for the Marines. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the opposing soldiers. During the night of the September 15, and the following early morning, the Japanese troops launched strong counterattacks. Hahn was expert in his direction of his unit's fire and was instrumental in the success of the defence of the new positions. Later on in the day of the 16th, Hahn received a shrapnel wound but continued to lead his squad in a reconnaissance patrol. During this they encountered enemy forces and were hugely outnumbered, but Hahn led his men in driving back the opposing troops with rifles and hand grenades. He allowed his own evacuation only after the mission was accomplished and he had led the squad back behind US lines.

Awards and distinctions

Hahn was awarded the Navy Cross for his above actions, the citation noting his "outstanding courage, determined leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds". The award was approved by the Secretary of the Navy on July 10, 1951.