The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Private First Class Dennis Wayne Hoff (ASN: RA-16976060), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Air Cavalry Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 April 1968. Private First Class Hoff distinguished himself while serving as a Medical Aidman on a combat operation near Hue, Republic of Vietnam. His company was moving toward a village known to be infested with North Vietnamese and was attempting to move around a dangerous ambush site when one platoon came under fire from a woodline. With the initial burst of fire one man was killed and four others were wounded rather close to the woodline. Private First Class Hoff, the platoon medic, moved from his position at the rear of the platoon to crawl and run to the wounded men. Moving forward, firing at the enemy, he moved to the men, one by one, giving aid to each man. Completely disregarding the deadly fire all around him he worked tirelessly on the men. Knowing that to eliminate him would work adversely to the platoon’s morale, the enemy poured a devastating amount of fire on his position, but Private First Class Hoff continued to move forward under the enemy automatic rifle fire, disregarding his own safety in order to reach the point man who was seriously wounded. While continuing to treat the man, Private First Class Hoff was mortally wounded and fell beside the man he was attempting to treat. His unswerving loyalty to his fellow soldiers and demonstrated ability as a Medic made his loss deeply felt throughout the platoon. Private First Class Hoff’s personal bravery 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.