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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 (Field Artillery), [then Staff Sergeant] Richard K. Hopermann (ASN: 0-587410), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division on 27 July 1944, in France. Lieutenant Hopermann was assigned to duty as forward observer for a field artillery unit supporting an infantry attack. The infantry assault elements were brought to a stand still by a sudden and intense barrage of hostile fire. Artillery support was urgently needed, and Lieutenant Hopermann fearlessly moved forward in the face of the fire to a position in advance of the infantry elements in order to direct artillery fire on the enemy emplacements. As a result of this courageous act, enemy positions were demolished and our forces were able to continue their successful advance, seizing their objective. The aggressive soldiership and unselfish devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hopermann reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), [then Staff Sergeant]

    Batallion:

    118th Field Artillery Battalion

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1944
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 183 (July 10, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery), [then Staff Sergeant] Richard K. Hoperman (ASN: 0-587410), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 118th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 28 July 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Hoperman and a comrade overcame almost insurmountable obstacles to maintain their observation post. Despite devastating enemy fire falling in their immediate area, he gallantly continued with his mission of directing artillery fire on enemy installations until enemy resistance was completely neutralized and the attack by infantrymen resumed. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Hoperman, 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.