Henry W. Hahn
Henry Walter Hahn (April 18, 1924 – January 9, 2004) was a corporal of the US Marine Corps who was awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism during World War II in the Pacific War theatre. Hahn was born in Detroit, Michigan.
Henry Walter Hahn | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 18, 1924 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | January 9, 2004 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |  United States Marine Corps |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Navy Cross |
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 September 15 and 16, 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.
Navy Cross citation
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Henry W. Hahn (382946), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader of an assault platoon in Company K, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 15 and 16 September 1944. Observing four of the enemy setting up a heavy machine gun in a position which seriously threatened his squad, Corporal Hahn crawled forward and, with unerring aim, tossed hand grenades into the hostile position, killing three of the Japanese and forcing the other to flee. Having captured the gun, he continued to lead his men in a furious running assault against hostile positions defending the north end of the beach, inflicting heavy casualties on the hostile troops and winning new positions for the friendly forces. Twice during the night and early on the morning of 16 September when the enemy launched bitter counterattacks, he expertly directed the fire of his unit and was instrumental in repulsing the assaults with great damage to the enemy force. Later in the day, although he had been wounded by shrapnel, he steadfastly refused to discontinue his efforts, led his squad in a reconnaissance patrol and, upon encountering a numerically superior hostile force, drove them back with rifles and hand grenades, permitting himself to be evacuated only after he had accomplished his mission and returned to friendly lines. His outstanding courage, determined leadership and indomitable fighting spirit in the face of tremendous odds reflect the highest credit upon Corporal Hahn and the United States Naval Service.
Death
Hahn died on January 9, 2004. He was buried in Parkview Memorial Cemetery in Livonia, Michigan.
References
- Navy Cross Citation
- Battle of Peleliu
- "Henry W. Hahn". Claim to Fame. Find a Grave. Retrieved January 16, 2020.