The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Colonel John Leland Hopkins (MCSN: 0-7421), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 2 June 1951. Assigned the extremely difficult mission of seizing Hill 611, a heavily fortified and bitterly defended hostile position commanding a vital enemy lateral supply route, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins skillfully directed and coordinated the attack, fearlessly moving in close proximity to the assaulting elements and, although his forward units were subjected to intense hostile mortar, artillery, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, courageously advanced to a fire-swept observation post where he remained throughout the day-long engagement. Despite the strength of the enemy’s defense which consisted of cleverly placed land mines and mutually supporting log and earth bunkers, he expertly controlled the battalion’s action, utilizing supporting arms to maximum advantage, skillfully directing the movements of his assault companies and exercising his vast tactical knowledge in decisions regarding the commitment of his reserves. By his coolness and outstanding professional ability, he was responsible for the success of his battalion in wresting the objective from an enemy force estimated at regimental strength, thereby successfully dominating the enemy’s supply route in his zone of action. His exceptional courage, inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins and the United States Naval Service.