Bernard M. Hansen
7th AD "Lucky Seven"
WWII 1944-1946
Drafted from high school, Bernard entered the Army and was processed through Camp Dodge, Iowa. After basic training, Bernard was deployed to Europe. He was sent over on the ship Bismark and landed at Le Havre, France. Eventually, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes in Belgium. It was the coldest and snowiest winter. His boots and socks froze to his feet while fighting in the Ardennes after snow packed in his boots. Bernard witnessed General Patton being evacuated for medical care after his jeep was hit. General Patton did not survive. Bernard arrived in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where he and his men participated in its liberation. He rescued a young woman who was left for dead. They reunited fifty years later and their friendship remains intact. Bernard and his men were some of the first to meet the Russians. A boy left Iowa to serve his country and returned a young man. He married the love of his life, fathered three children and is grandfather to two young men. In 2016, Bernard was presented a Quilt of Valor.
HONORS EARNED: Victory Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars 3 Overseas Service Bars Army of Occupation Mesel Germany Good Conduct Medal
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