The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wallace E. Hooper (MCSN: 359983), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Mariana Islands on 15 June 1944. When two tanks were brought forward to support the attack of his company which was held up by terrific hostile machine gun and sniper fire, Private First Class Hooper unhesitatingly advanced with five Marines to act as a covering force and upon encountering twenty-five of the enemy attempting to rush the tanks, fearlessly stood his ground, dispatching half the force with his automatic weapon and forcing the rest to withdraw. Mortally wounded by sniper fire while pressing home his vigorous assault, Private First Class Hooper, by his relentless fighting spirit and daring courage had contributed essentially to our initial landing operations and occupation of Saipan and his unwavering devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.