9th Ward Veteran Interviews - Lynn Hansen

Spotlight on Brother Lynn Hansen

Brother Lynn Hansen was drafted out of high school to serve in the Army during World War II in Germany. He served from 1942 to 1946. While serving he became a Sergeant and was responsible for just about everything. His group became very close; so close that the Captain of his company said something that really touched Brother Hansen. He said, “I trained for two years with you and I want you to fight next to me.”

There were several times, while fighting, that Brother Hansen was protected. One of which greatly strengthened his testimony. One morning before going to battle, he had the impression that he would be hurt. Prayer helped Brother Hansen find peace and reassurance that he would be healed. Brother Hansen was shot that day. He knew he had been hurt, but not to what extent. He busied himself helping other wounded soldiers and then went to get himself aid. The doctors examined him and made him lie down on a bed immediately. He was confused and a little flustered when they started to cut off his brand new winter uniform, but the doctors were insistent that he remain still. A bullet went through his jaw, neck, and into his spine. He was 1/16 th of an inch away from being paralyzed or even killed. He received a purple heart for this terrible injury. Despite this experience, Brother Hansen remained positive in his efforts to fight for freedom of the world.

A funny memory he had while serving was seeing the newly drafted boys arrive at the barber shop. He said, “I’ve never seen so many tears shed over curly locks. The boys weren’t miserable because they had to leave home; they cried because they didn’t want to cut their hair off!”

Brother Hansen had many opportunities to be an example to those around him. He and other Christian believers developed a good friendship with those nonbelievers of his company. On weekends, most men would head into town and drink. The nonbelievers in their company would take enough money for a few drinks and entrust their remaining money with Brother Hansen and others so that they would not spend it all on alcohol. They would often tell Brother Hansen, “Even if we come back begging and crying for money to buy beer, don’t give it to us!” and Brother Hansen never did.

One Sunday, while back in the states recovering from injuries, he and other Christian believers all took a cab into town to attend their designated church services. He walked into church and was told that the priesthood meeting had ended. As he was about to leave, someone recognized him and called out to him. It was his uncle! Brother Hansen feels that it was certainly not by chance that they met up this day.

After this, Brother Hansen and his aunt and uncle spent a lot of time together as he was in and out of the hospital and recovering from his injuries. A funny memory that they shared was of painting a room together. His aunt and uncle had a large cage full of canaries. One day, while his aunt was in town, Brother Hansen and his uncle painted the room in which these canaries lived. After a while they noticed that the birds were acting strange and were having difficulty flying straight. They laughed and laughed as they realized that the fumes from the paint were making the birds lightheaded and maybe a little intoxicated. After the room aired out the canaries returned to normal and the two men decided what his aunt didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her!

Personal notes: It was refreshing to listen to Brother Hansen talk about his service in the war. He was very happy and excited to share his experiences despite the awful circumstances. He had nothing but fond memories to share with us. He truly felt that he was doing what was right.