Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    148th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1092 (July 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William A. Hoefs, Jr. (ASN: 36214822), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 11 March 1944. When a sergeant was wounded after advancing about ten yards beyond the crest of a hill which was being subjected to devastating machine gun and sniper fire, Lieutenant Hoefs unhesitatingly went to his rescue. Realizing the Japanese would use all their fire power in a desperate attempt to prevent him from reaching the wounded man, Lieutenant Hoefs inched his way forward over the crest until he was able to grasp the ankle of the injured man. He then dragged him, under intense fire, to the crest and out of danger. Lieutenant Hoefs’ gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.