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 Ronald J. Hopkins (ASN: US-56827957), 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 Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 3d Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. Specialist Hopkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 February 1968 as point man of his Infantry unit during a search and destroy mission near DaNang. His squad was assigned as point squad for an attack against an estimated battalion of North Vietnamese Regulars. The initial hostile fire was so intense that Specialist Hopkins’ platoon was forced to withdraw and re-group in a shallow trench line. He then led his squad along the ditch until it encountered an enemy machine gun emplacement which he neutralized, enabling the platoon to advance. The friendly force came under fire from a second machine gun position. Specialist Hopkins moved forward, eliminated the emplacement and captured the weapon. The insurgents then employed, mortar fire against his element. Unhesitantly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he advanced through a hail of shrapnel and small arms fire. He routed the North Vietnamese mortar crew and captured the weapon and its ammunition. As the battle continued, Specialist Hopkins saved a fellow soldier from possible injury or death by knocking him to the ground when the man failed to react to an enemy hand grenade that landed near his position. Specialist Four Hopkins’ 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.