Although widely known as a dance from 2007 created by Soulja Boy Tellem, the phrase also refers to male masturbation. The reason it is known as such is because the penis is similar to a solider with its helmet, and it is cranked like a crankshaft during masturbation.

When you rip a fat ass cat fish on your line, make a masturbation gesture and scream "HAWWGGGSS!"