The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Wilfrid D. Hoffman (MCSN: 419820), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, SECOND Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese force on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 7 July 1944. Courageous and aggressive under terrific fire from Japanese machine guns and rifles Private First Class Hoffmann maintained his station steadfastly during an attack upon his battalion area by numerically superior enemy forces. While the Japanese were advancing at a range of less than one hundred yards he laid his piece for elevation during direction fire and assisted in inflicting severe casualties on the enemy, thereby contributing materially to the disruption of the enemy’s advance before his battalion was ordered to withdraw. Mortally wounded while firing an automatic weapon during withdrawal, Private First Class Hoffmann, by his heroic fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty, had contributed to the success of this hazardous engagement and his exemplary conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.