Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    145th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    37th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 19, 1945

    Headquarters, U.S. Forces-Pacific, General Orders No. 48 (July 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Private First Class Paul H. Hoffner (ASN: 31388840), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Manila, Philippine Islands, on 19 February 1945. During the attack of Company A, 145th Infantry against the enemy-held San Pablo Convent in the Ermita District of Manila, five heavily fortified enemy pillboxes opened fire and denied the company all approaches to the objective. Volunteering to go forward, Private Hoffner, a rocket launcher operator, crawled through heavily concentrated rifle and automatic fire to a position within sixty yards of the first enemy pillbox. As his position was only large enough for one man, he was forced to load and fire his weapon single-handedly but he eliminated the pillbox with his accurate fire. The Japanese thereupon concentrated their 20-mm. anti-tank and machine guns on him. Despite this increased volume of fire Private Hoffner again resolutely moved forward and silenced another pillbox and then the third. By these successes, he enabled the rest of the platoon to capture the remaining fortifications. Through his indomitable fighting spirit and outstanding personal courage in single-handedly destroying three enemy strongpoints while under intense fire, Private Hoffner displayed extraordinary heroism and enabled his company to achieve its objective. His extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.