Michael W. Hanks
Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps

From 8 to 17 November 2004, then-Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks was serving as Fire Team Leader, 1st Platoon, Lima Company, Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, First Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

On 8 November, while clearing enemy strong points during intense urban combat in Anbar province, Iraq, LCpl Hanks' team was ambushed and 2 Marines were mortally wounded. Ignoring his own safety, LCpl Hanks placed his own body toward the enemy and dragged his remaining Marine out of the impact zone. Quickly assessing the situation, LCpl Hanks directed a Squad Manned Automatic Weapon rocket into the enemy stronghold, eliminating 4 insurgents. As a remaining insurgent attempted to escape, LCpl Hanks drew his pistol and eliminated him. Continuing the attack, LCpl Hanks came upon 2 armed insurgents preparing to ambush passing friendly units. LCpl Hanks quickly engaged the enemy, killing both insurgents. On 10 November, as the platoon pressed the assault, LCpl Hanks identified 2 escaping terrorists who had wounded a fellow Marine. LCpl Hanks courageously exposed himself to a hail of enemy fire and killed the 2 terrorists at close range. As heavy enemy fire continued to impact around him, LCpl Hanks retrieved and carried the wounded Marine to safety, saving his fellow Marine's life. On 17 November, again disregarding his own safety, LCpl Hanks bravely charged into a heavily-fortified enemy position. During the ensuing firefight, LCpl Hanks was mortally wounded. LCpl Hanks' bold leadership and selfless, courageous actions that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Marine Corps' third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals and Awards

Silver Star Medal
Purple Heart
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks, United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Fire Team Leader, 1st Platoon, Lima Company, Third Battalion, First Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 1, FIRST Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Central Command, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II from 8 to 17 November 2004. On 8 November 2004, while clearing enemy strong points during intense urban combat, Lance Corporal Hanks' team was ambushed and two Marines were mortally wounded. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he placed his own body toward the enemy and dragged his remaining Marine out of the impact zone. Quickly assessing the situation, he directed a Squad Manned Automatic Weapon rocket into the enemy stronghold, eliminating four insurgents. As a remaining insurgent attempted to escape, Lance Corporal Hanks drew his pistol and eliminated him. Continuing the attack, Lance Corporal Hanks came upon two armed insurgents preparing to ambush passing friendly units. He quickly engaged the enemy, killing both insurgents. On 10 November 2004, as the platoon pressed the assault, Lance Corporal Hanks identified two escaping terrorists who had wounded a fellow Marine. He courageously exposed himself to a hail of enemy fire and killed the two terrorists at close range. As heavy enemy fire continued to impact around him, he retrieved and carried the wounded Marine to safety, saving his fellow Marine's life. On 17 November 2004, again disregarding his own personal safety, he bravely charged into a heavily-fortified enemy position. During the ensuing firefight, Lance Corporal Hanks was mortally wounded. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Hanks reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville, Livingston County, MI.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/11388687/michael-w-hanks