The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Herbert Gladstone Hopwood, United States Navy, for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Cleveland during operations against Japanese forces in the Southwest Pacific Area, from August 14, 1944, to July 3, 1945. Employing his ship with maximum effectiveness, Captain Hopwood conducted devastating bombardments of hostile shore installations in support of our landings on enemy-held territory, maintaining a high standard of fighting efficiency throughout a prolonged period of intensive combat. A brilliant leader, Captain Hopwood assured the precise execution of each important assignment and, by his alert and cool command of the Cleveland, contributed immeasurably to the success of many Allied campaigns in a vital theater of war. His expert seamanship, resolute determination and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.