The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant John R. Hoff, Jr. (MCSN: 0-111172), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, First Reconnaissance Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 March 1970, Second Lieutenant Hoff was leading a seven-man reconnaissance team deep in enemy-controlled territory to pinpoint the location of a large hostile force known to be based in the area when he discovered a well traveled trail and established an ambush beside it in an attempt to capture an enemy soldier. Shortly thereafter, two North Vietnamese Army soldiers approached the Marines’ position and, when called upon to surrender, immediately opened fire upon the patrol. Reacting instantly, Second Lieutenant Hoff disregarded is own safety as he fearlessly moved into full view of the enemy and with one burst of fire killed one of the hostile soldiers and wounded the other. Hearing a large North Vietnamese Army force moving toward the ambush site and realizing that there was not sufficient time to reposition his men to counter an enemy attack, he resolutely remained in his precarious vantage point to cover his men while they moved to a more tenable position. When approximately twenty-five North Vietnamese came into sight, he fired and killed two of the enemy leading the force. Courageously exposing himself to concentrated enemy fire, he then fearlessly moved across the open terrain throwing hand grenades at the surprised hostile forces, killing three and wounding four more enemy soldiers. After rejoining his men in their hastily prepared defensive position, Second Lieutenant Hoff ignored the intense hostile fore as he boldly moved from his covered position and single-handedly attacked two additional enemy positions, throwing hand grenades and firing his weapon from his hip, and killed both of the North Vietnamese soldiers occupying them. Again rejoining his team, he skillfully directed the delivery of friendly artillery fire with such accuracy and devastating effectiveness that several large secondary explosions erupted and the enemy, defeated, broke contact and retreated in confusion. By his courage, superb leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Hoff inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.