William T. Hanna

William T. Hanna was born October 23, 1920 in New York City, New York.

Marine Corps career
Private 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 Private 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.