The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Herbert E. Hopping (MCSN: 313977), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the Second Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Saipan in the Marianas on the night of 17 June 1944. Maintaining contact with the adjoining unit on his company’s right flank during the enemy’s furious, tank supported counter measures, Sergeant Hopping steadfastly held his perilous ground when hostile troops penetrated the lines of his flank position and inflicted serous casualties among his squad Tenaciously fighting off the advancing enemy troops, he effectively covered the consolidation of our lines and, although mortally wounded in the fierce engagement succeeded in killing eight of the enemy before he fell. By his intrepid initiative, determined aggressiveness and courageous fortitude in the face of savage, fanatic opposition, Sergeant Hopping contributed essentially to the defeat of the Japanese counter attack and to the ultimate conquest of this vital enemy stronghold. His valiant devotion to duty throughout a period of fierce hostilities was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.