The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Defense Artillery) William C. Hooper (ASN: 0-5424932), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 220th Reconnaissance Airplane Company, 1st Aviation Brigade. First Lieutenant Hooper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as an aviator in an O-1 light reconnaissance aircraft in marginal weather, to assist beleaguered friendly units in the demilitarized zone. He arrived over the area to find two companies separated, each of them receiving intensive hostile machine gun and mortar fire. With a total disregard for his own safety, he sought out the menacing positions, and upon finding them, he marked one with a white phosphorus rocket for an Air Force forward air controller. Learning that there would be a delay in getting ordnance on another enemy position, he engaged it with his marking rockets, scattering the North Vietnamese Army personnel and silencing the weapon, while his aircraft took two hits from automatic anti-aircraft fire. Staying over the ground units until his fuel state became critically low, he coordinated the movements of the two companies to assist them in successfully linking up and completing the operation. He kept the units informed of the entire situation and helped suppress the enemy fires which were hindering them. Through his valiant efforts the friendly forces were able to regroup, advance on the enemy forces, and strike a significant blow against them. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.