Samuel James Hannah
Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps

When Second Lieutenant Samuel James Hannah began his tour in Vietnam on 15 December 1967, he was assigned to the 3rd Platoon, D Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.

On 7 June 1968, 2ndLt Hannah was killed in action when he sustained wounds from small arms fire. His body was recovered.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Combat Action Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Samuel James Hannah (MCSN: 0-101288), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company D, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 7 June 1968, Second Lieutenant Hannah's platoon was the lead element for the company during a search and destroy operation southwest of DaNang. As the Marines approached a village near Phu Lac, they suddenly came under a heavy volume of fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Hannah boldly moved about the fire-swept terrain, deploying his men and directing their fire at the enemy. Despite having his pistol and rifle damaged by small arms fire, he resolutely continued his heroic actions until he was mortally wounded. His bold initiative and superb leadership inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in the subsequent defeat of the hostile force, resulting in fifty-seven North Vietnamese soldiers killed. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Hannah upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Honors

The name Samuel J Hannah is located on Panel 59W Line 022 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Second Lieutenant Samuel James Hannah is buried at Fayetteville National Cemetery in Fayetteville, AR, in Section 20, Site 30.