The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Roy F. Hopper (MCSN: 357812), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Member of a Demolitions and Mine Disposal Team of the Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands from 15 September to 13 October 1944. Demonstrating exceptional courage, Private First Class Hopper preceded our tanks on three separate occasions under heavy enemy sniper and machine gun fire and successfully removed mines, thereby enabling our tanks and infantry to capture their objective. After his Squad Leader had been killed in an attempt to capture a cave held by the enemy, he assumed command of the Squad and led it in a second action which demolished the hostile position. His devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.