Sioux Cityan Wins Silver Star Medal for Gallant Action
For gallantry in action in April near Tunisia, Allen Hanner, a former Sioux Cityan, has been awarded the silver star medal. A member of the Sioux City National Guard unit, he went overseas about 18 months ago.
“Hanner with two other men,” the citation reads in part, “proceeded to establish communications between a forward observation post on Hill 409 and the battalion command post.”
“After advancing several hundred yards they were taken under heavy enemy artillery fire. Even though warned by their infantry to take cover, Hanner and the two other men did not stop until the communications were established between the observation post, which was out in front of his infantry, and his command post.”
“Effective counter battery fire was immediately conducted from this observation post. Hanner’s courage and attention to duty in the face of grave danger was exemplary and a credit to the armed forces of the United States.”
The citation was received by Allen’s father, O. E. Hanner, of Blytheville, Ark. Allen’s small daughter, Sharon Lee, resides here. He formerly attended Central high school.
Source: The Sioux City Journal, July 17, 1943
