The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Specialist Fourth Class Paul W. Hopper (ASN: US-55986718), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion (Mechanized), 23rd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Hopper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 25 March 1968, as a member of a small scouting unit which was providing flank security for a battalion near Trang Bang. Soon after the battalion made contact with a large enemy force, Specialist Hopper’s scout section met a reinforced North Vietnamese Army battalion attempting to join a larger hostile force. He immediately assumed command and under his direction the communists’ first human wave assault was driven off, leaving eighty enemy dead. With three of the five armored personnel carriers destroyed by rockets and a second attack imminent, Specialist Hopper directed his men to a more defensible position while he remained behind to cover their withdrawal. As he began to move his own track to the new position, it was struck by an anti-tank rocket, wounding him and immobilizing the vehicle. Despite his injury, he organized his men, cared for the wounded and helped repel the savage attacks. Exposing himself to a hail of bullets, he recovered ammunition from his burning vehicle and used the radio to call for help until the microphone was shot away. Through his uncommon leadership, he and his eighteen men protected the exposed flank of their battalion and killed more than one hundred and fifty of the enemy. Specialist Four Hopper’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.