Killed in Action WW2
1st Marine Division
Joseph F. Hankins
Place of Birth: Alabama, Vernon
Home of record: Empire Alabama
Navy Cross Citation
Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph F. Hankins (MCSN: 0-5534), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 26 to 31 December 1943. Braving withering fire from hostile small arms, machine guns, mortars and light cannon, Lieutenant Colonel Hankins courageously led his battalion in a vigorous assault against three strongly fortified Japanese emplacements, steadfastly maintaining an exposed position to direct the assault and deploy his men for maximum effectiveness. By his brilliant and inspiring leadership in the front lines, he enabled his units to destroy all three enemy strongholds, capturing numerous hostile weapons and killing over six hundred of the enemy with only light casualties to his command. Lieutenant Colonel Hankins' indomitable fighting spirit and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0861 (SofN Signed December 19, 1944)
Action Date: December 26 - 31, 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Regiment: 1st Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division
Killed in Action WW2
1st Marine Division
Joseph F. Hankins
Place of Birth: Alabama, Vernon
Home of record: Empire Alabama
Navy Cross Citation
Awarded for actions during World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Joseph F. Hankins (MCSN: 0-5534), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service while serving as Commanding Officer of the Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Cape Gloucester, New Britain, from 26 to 31 December 1943. Braving withering fire from hostile small arms, machine guns, mortars and light cannon, Lieutenant Colonel Hankins courageously led his battalion in a vigorous assault against three strongly fortified Japanese emplacements, steadfastly maintaining an exposed position to direct the assault and deploy his men for maximum effectiveness. By his brilliant and inspiring leadership in the front lines, he enabled his units to destroy all three enemy strongholds, capturing numerous hostile weapons and killing over six hundred of the enemy with only light casualties to his command. Lieutenant Colonel Hankins' indomitable fighting spirit and fearless devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: SPOT AWARD, Commander, 7th Fleet: Serial 0861 (SofN Signed December 19, 1944)
Action Date: December 26 - 31, 1943
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Company: Commanding Officer
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Regiment: 1st Marines
Division: 1st Marine Division
Family Members
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Guy G Hankins
1902–1928
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Shields Houston Hankins
1905–1976
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Annie Justice Hankins Pennington
1908–1963
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Juanita Hankins Pennington
1910–1974
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Ogden Underwood "Hank" Hankins
1912–1978
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Jack Hankins
1914–1969
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Billie Hankins Waide
1917–1984
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Willie Scott "Scottie" Hankins Albrecht
1918–1991
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Noble H Hankins Cripe
1922–2012
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