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World War II Honoree

Killed in World War II

William T. Hanna

Branch of Service

U.S. Marine Corps

Hometown

Brooklyn, New York

Honored By

John Peterson

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

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 HE WAS POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED THE NAVY CROSS AND PURPLE HEART. USS HANNA DE-449 WAS LAUNCHED JULY 4, 1944 IN HIS HONOR.