Michael W. Hanks
Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps
October 7, 1982 – November 17, 2004
Age – 22
Gregory, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA
Killed while engaged in combat operations in Anbar Province, Iraq
Lance Corporal Michael W. Hanks served in the U.S. Marine Corps with honor and valor. Enlisting in 2003, Hanks was deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he served as Fire Team Leader with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. From November 8-17, 2004, LCpl Hanks displayed extraordinary bravery during intense combat in Anbar Province. He repeatedly placed himself in harm’s way to save fellow Marines, eliminate enemy insurgents, and press the attack. His selfless actions on multiple occasions, including rescuing a wounded Marine and eliminating several enemy combatants, earned him the Silver Star Medal. On November 17, 2004, Hanks was mortally wounded during an assault on a fortified enemy position. In recognition of his gallantry, LCpl Hanks was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, along with the Purple Heart and several other military honors. He is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Fowlerville, Michigan, and his legacy of courage and sacrifice endures.
SILVER STAR 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.