William T. Hanna | |
---|---|
Born |
New York City |
October 23, 1920
Died | October 9, 1942 Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands |
(aged 21)
Allegiance |
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Service/branch |
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Years of service | 1942 |
Rank | Private |
Unit | 1st Marine Division (Reinforced) |
Battles/wars | |
Awards |
Navy Cross Purple Heart shared the Presidential Unit Citation |
William T. Hanna (October 23, 1920 in New York City, New York – October 9, 1942 at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands) was an American marine.
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.
For his undaunted courage, Hanna was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.
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.