USS Hank (DD-702), an Allen M. Sumner-class destroyer, was named in honor of Lieutenant Commander William Hank.

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Laffey (DD-459)
Citation:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander William Edwin Hank (NSN: 0-59695), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), during action against enemy Japanese naval forces off Savo Island during the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11 - 12 October 1942.
...
Boldly engaging a Japanese force of two destroyers and a cruiser, Lieutenant Commander Hank, despite his extremely hazardous position in the leading group and the terrific fire of the enemy, fought his ship with devastating effect upon the opposing vessels. Directing the fire of his guns with cool and daring accuracy, he enabled the LAFFEY to sink one hostile destroyer, to damage another, and to assist in the sinking of a cruiser.
...
By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, he contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Navy Cross
Awarded for Actions During World War II
General Orders: Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 320 (November 1943)
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Commanding Officer
Division: U.S.S. Laffey (DD-459)
Citation:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander William Edwin Hank (NSN: 0-59695), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. LAFFEY (DD-459), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 - 13 November, 1942.
...
On this occasion, the force to which Lieutenant Commander Hank was attached engaged at close quarters and defeated a superior enemy force, inflicting heavy damage upon them and preventing the accomplishment of their intended mission. This daring and intrepid attack, brilliantly executed, led to a great victory for his country's forces.
...
By his indomitable fighting spirit, expert seamanship, and gallant devotion to duty, Lieutenant Commander Hank contributed largely to the success of the battle and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

William Edwin Hank was born on 25 September 1902 in Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia. His father, William Haile Hank, born 8 October 1873 in King Queen's Court House, King and Queen County, Virginia, died 19 December 1945 in Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia, was an Insurance Agent. His mother, Margaret May (Margarita) Gaines, was born in 1874 in Norfolk, Virginia and died on 22 April 1967 in Englewood, Bergen County, New Jersey.

William's parents were married on 27 November 1901 in Norfolk (Independent City), Virginia. William was the eldest of four children in the family; he had a younger brother and two younger sisters.

He married Claribel Taylor, born 1908 in Ohio, died (unknown date/location). They had a daughter. The date of the marriage is unknown.

The information contained in this profile was compiled from various internet sources.

Hank, William Edwin, CDR