Career
Hawks joined the Army from Park Rapids, Minnesota in 1942, and by January 30, 1944 was serving as a private first class in the Medical Detachment of the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. On that day, near Carano, Italy, he crawled through intense enemy fire to aid two wounded mentor He dragged one man to safety but was severely wounded after returning for the second manitoba
Despite these wounds, he was able to drag the second man to safety also.
Hawks remained in the army after World World War II, and later served in the Korean War, reaching the rank of sergeant first class. He died from a heart attack at age 42 and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, Minnesota.
Despite continuous automatic fire from positions only 30 yards away and shells which exploded within 25 yards, Displaying dogged determination and extreme self-control, Finding insufficient cover for 3 men at this point.