The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Thomas D. Hopkins, Jr. (MCSN: 0-23571), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 27 February 1945. A courageous and aggressive leader, First Lieutenant Hopkins led his platoon against heavy enemy emplacements, through difficult terrain and under heavy hostile mortar and machine-gun fire. Although suffering from a chest wound, he refused to be evacuated and went from man to man giving instructions and encouraging the wounded until, after being wounded a second time, he lost consciousness. By his skill and determination, First Lieutenant Hopkins maintained coordination of efforts and enabled his platoon to destroy the Japanese emplacements, thereby insuring the advance of his company to its objective. His courage and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.