AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes great pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Willis H. Hansen for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron 225, Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of 8 December 1970, First Lieutenant Hansen launched from the DaNang Air Base as Bombardier/Navigator aboard an A-6 Intruder aircraft assigned an armed reconnaissance mission over a heavily defended supply route deep in enemy-controlled territory. After navigating his aircraft to the designated area, he established radio contact with the Forward Air Controller (Airborne), was given a target brief, and was directed to conduct surveillance over a sector of the vital supply route. Undaunted by the heavy volume of hostile anti-aircraft fire directed at his Intruder and the difficulty of navigating his aircraft in the darkness over the rugged mountain terrain, First Lieutenant Hansen on the two separate occasions when he detected enemy vehicles moving along the road, expertly monitored his instruments and equipment, rapidly computed navigational and ordnance release data, and provided a continuous flow of vital information which enabled his Pilot to elude the hostile fire on his two bombing runs and deliver all of his ordnance upon the target with pinpoint accuracy. As a result of the devastating attacks, four enemy trucks were destroyed accompanied by seven secondary explosions and several sustained fires. First Lieutenant Hansen's courage, superior professionalism, and unwavering devotion to duty at great personal risk were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.