Baldwin "Hank" Hansen, 87 of Sandestin, Florida passed away Tuesday, October 12, 2010.

Mr. Hansen son of the late Baldwin and Cleda Hansen was born October 21, 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri.

His father emigrated from Denmark. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Hank Harrison Hansen.

Mr. Hansen is survived by his wife Alma Lee Hansen of their home in Sandestin, Florida and two daughters, Victoria Hansen and Valerie Hansen.

Hank was a veteran of World War II with service mostly in the China - Burma- India Theatre. With the advent of World War II, he enlisted in the Army in 1942. In 1943 he volunteered for a "Dangerous and Courageous Mission" with approximately 3000 American soldiers. The unit was designated the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) later popularly known as Merrill's Marauders. After preliminary training in India, the Marauders walked more than 1000 miles up the Ledo Road, over the Himalayas, thru Burms fighting five major campaigns climaxing behind enemy lines operations with the capture of Myitkyina Airfield in Northern Burma. The Marauders were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.

Hank was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and a Bronze Star. After further service in Mars Task Force he received an honorable discharge in October, 1945. Hank was a member of Merrill's Marauders Association and the American Legion.

He was also a member of St. Louis Baska of CBI Veteran's Association that disbanded in 2005. After World War II he pursued a career in Publishing, founding the Automotive Messenger, a regional trade publication and early "tab" style newspaper.