The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Quartermaster Second Class William V. Hoppins, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action when his vessel, LCI (L) 220, grounded on an uncharted sand bar during the amphibious assault on Sicily in September 1943. Quartermaster Second Class Hoppins volunteered to swim through the surf with life lines and anchors, thereby contributing materially to the successful landing of troops. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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 Naval Service.