William T. Hanna
William T. Hanna (October 23, 1920 in New York City, New York – October 9, 1942 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands) was an American marine.
William T. Hanna | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 23, 1920 New York City |
| Died | October 9, 1942 (aged 21) Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands |
| Allegiance |  |
| Service/ |  |
| Years of service | 1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | 1st Marine Division (Reinforced) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross Purple Heart shared the Presidential Unit Citation |
Marine Corps career
Hanna enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps January 14, 1942 at New York. He was killed in action October 9, 1942 while attached to the 1st Marine Division Reinforced on Guadalcanal. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding gallantry and determination in successfully executing forced landing assaults against a number of strongly defended Japanese positions on various Japanese strongholds including Guadalcanal.
Awarded the Navy Cross
For his undaunted courage, Hanna was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.
Fighting desperately in hand-to-hand combat against overwhelming hostile forces, Private Hanna refused to be dislodged from his position and after exacting a tremendous toll of the enemy, heroically died at his post.
Namesake
USS Hanna (DE-449) was launched July 4, 1944 by the Federal Shipbuilding & Drydock Co., Newark, New Jersey; sponsored by Mrs. William P. Hanna, mother; and commissioned January 27, 1945, Lt. Cmdr. Means Johnston, Jr., in command.
See also
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.