The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Byron L. Hoover (ASN: 0-2015691/35385939), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 20 November 1944 in France. Staff Sergeant Hoover, serving as Intelligence Non-Commissioned Officer, preceded the infantry in an advance to secure enemy information. Upon reaching a river he discovered that the bridge across it had been destroyed. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety he swam the river and penetrated deep into enemy territory to reconnoiter it to secure valuable information which contributed greatly in the successful advance of his comrades. The personal bravery, resourcefulness, and loyal devotion to duty displayed by Staff Sergeant Hoover were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

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 Second Lieutenant [then Technical Sergeant] Byron L. Hoover (ASN: 0-2015691/35385939), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 317th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 15 April 1945 in Germany. At Jena, Germany, while operating with forward armored elements miles in front of his regiment, Lieutenant Hoover single-handedly neutralized a machine gun position guarding a roadblock and later that day advanced through severe hostile fire to kick a demolition charge off a bridge before it exploded. His initiative, courage, 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.