The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Harold F. Hoppe (ASN: 0-337654), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 13 September 1944. Captain Hoppe was serving as a member of an Infantry task force which succeeded in making a rapid advance deep into enemy territory. When heavy resistance was encountered, a vigorous fire fight ensued with the result that a large force of hostile troops were put to flight in disorder. In an effort to take full advantage of the victory, Captain Hopper and a few of his fellow soldiers climbed onto accompanying tanks and took up the chase. When the enemy was overtake, hand-to-hand fighting ensued, many of the hostile troops were killed, and a total of ninety prisoners of war were captured. In addition, the capture of a large city was made possible for the disorganized enemy was unable to plan any defense, so rapid was the course of the action. The aggressive initiative, fortitude, and high degree of esprit exhibited by Captain Hoppe reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.

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 Captain (Infantry) Harold F. Hoppe (ASN: 0-337654), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 2 October 1944, in Germany. Captain Hoppe’s regiment was given the mission of breaking through the Siegfried Line. His company was to clear an enemy-held town and secure a bridge site across a river which was part of the line. When the assault elements of his company were pinned down by enemy fire, Captain Hoppe valiantly went forward and personally led the assault, clearing the enemy village and leading a platoon aggressively across the river to destroy two enemy pillboxes. His aggressiveness and bravery contributed much to the success of breaking the fortified positions of the West Wall. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Hoppe, 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.