Michael Wayne Hanks
Fire team leader, 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. Mortally wounded during the Second Battle of Fallujah at age 22, ten days after the first of the actions that earned him the Silver Star.
A Kid From Gregory Who Never Left a Friend Behind
Michael was born in Howell, Michigan, and raised in Gregory, attending Fowlerville Community Schools. Teachers remembered him as high-energy, spirited, and someone who had talked about joining the military since boyhood. Classmates remembered something deeper: he was the kid who stepped forward for others, even when it cost him.
He brought that instinct into the Marine Corps and never put it down. The Marines who fought beside him in 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, describe a fire team leader who commanded respect without losing his sense of humor, someone who lifted morale in the darkest hours of urban warfare and treated the survival of his men as his sole duty.
"He's the reason I got to go home and build a life." James Conner, Marine, on the team leader who pulled him from enemy fire
Ten Days Behind the Silver Star
In November 2004, Michael's unit plunged into the unrelenting, close-range room-clearing of Operation Phantom Fury. The actions below are drawn directly from official battle records and his combat citation.
While clearing a heavily fortified building, Michael's fire team was ambushed, resulting in two Marines being mortally wounded. Placing himself directly between the hostile fire and another Marine, he pulled him clear, directed rocket fire into the enemy position, and engaged insurgents setting up an ambush against adjacent American units.
Observing two enemy fighters who had just wounded a fellow Marine, Michael maneuvered into the open under sustained fire. He eliminated the enemy fighters at point-blank range and carried the wounded Marine, James Conner, to safety.
During an assault against a reinforced insurgent stronghold, Michael advanced directly into the fortified structure. He was mortally wounded during the close-quarters firefight that ensued. He was 22 years old.
The 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.
How His Legacy Endures
Michigan Hall of Honor
Inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing, one of only six service members inducted that year.
A Bridge in His Hometown
The South Grand Avenue bridge over I-96 in Fowlerville, Michigan, near where he was raised and laid to rest, was officially named in his honor.
In Print and on Screen
Documented in Patrick K. O'Donnell's bestselling combat history We Were One and featured on the History Channel's Shootout!: D-Day, Fallujah.
He Had Everyone's Back. Now We Have Theirs.
Michael's instinct was to protect the Marine next to him. Founded in 2023, the foundation honors that standard by supporting Gold Star Families, active duty units, and combat veterans nationwide.