Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Wallace Eugene Hopkins (ASN: 0-420598), United States Army Air Forces, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations on 29 June 1944. While flying on a bomber escort mission to Germany, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins spotted several undamaged aircraft on Oscheraleben Airdrome which had been bombed. Despite dense smoke, flak, and lack of top cover, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins, accompanied only by his wing man, made eight passes at the field destroying four FW-190’s and damaging two others. The courage, skill and daring displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    361st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 43 (May 20, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) Wallace Eugene Hopkins (ASN: 0-420598), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Operations Officer and a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    361st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 84 (September 15, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Wallace Eugene Hopkins (ASN: 0-420598), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and the destruction of four enemy airplanes over occupied Continental Europe as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    361st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 79 (September 5, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Wallace Eugene Hopkins (ASN: 0-420598), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and the destruction of four enemy airplanes over occupied Continental Europe as a P-51 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.