Louis J. Hauge Jr.
| Louis James Hauge Jr. | |
|---|---|
 
|
|
| Born |
December 12, 1924 Ada, Minnesota |
| Died | May 14, 1945 (aged 20) KIA on Okinawa, Japan |
| Place of burial | National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1943-1945 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | 1st Battalion 1st Marines |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Battle of Okinawa |
| Awards |
Medal of Honor Purple Heart |
Corporal Louis James Hauge Jr. (December 12, 1924 – May 14, 1945) was a United States Marine who posthumously received his nation's highest military honor — the Medal of Honor — for his actions during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.
Louis Hauge Jr. was born on December 12, 1924 in Ada, Minnesota. He was active in all athletics, but left high school after his first year and worked in a canning factory in Ada, where he became assistant foreman. He later was employed by a ship yard in Tacoma, Washington as a painter.
He was inducted into the Marine Corps Reserve on April 23, 1943 and completed light-machine gun school at Camp Elliott, California before serving with the 1st Marine Division at New Caledonia and New Guinea. Later, he saw combat action on Peleliu as a message runner with Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines. In this capacity, he distinguished himself for his bravery under fire and was given a meritorious promotion to corporal.
Corporal Hauge was killed in action on May 14, 1945, while serving on Okinawa as a member of the 1st Marine Division. For his heroic actions on that day, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. At the time of his death, Cpl Hauge was squad leader of a machine gun squad in Southern Okinawa engaged in an assault against a heavily fortified Japanese hill. It was during the evening that the left flank of Company C, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, was pinned down by a barrage of mortar and machine gun fire. The enemy was pouring enfilade fire into the ranks of the Marines. Quickly spotting the two guns responsible for the damage, Cpl Hauge boldly rushed across an open area, heaving hand grenades as he ran. Wounded before he reached the first gun, he nevertheless continued his one-man assault and completely destroyed the position. Without stopping, he pushed forward and attacked the second gun with grenades and demolished it before falling from the deadly fire of the Japanese snipers. Inspired by his actions, his company rose from their besieged position and pressed home the attack.
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