The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John Leland Hopkins (MCSN: 0-7421), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, on 22 April 1951. Assigned the mission of protecting the right sector of the regimental zone, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins skillfully organized the defensive position. During the hours of darkness, a large enemy force succeeded in penetrating the friendly unit on the right, posing a serious threat to the regiment. Although exposed to continuous hostile mortar and automatic-weapons fire, he ably employed his reserves and launched a devastating counterattack against the enemy force, successfully restoring the friendly positions. By his outstanding courage, quick actions and resolute determination, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins materially aided in preventing the enemy from exploiting the penetration and overrunning the supporting-arms positions, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
April 25 – 29, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel John Leland Hopkins (MCSN: 0-7421), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 25 to 29 April 1951. When a savage attack by numerically superior enemy forces exposed the flanks of his battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins led his men in a highly complicated and difficult retrograde movement. Constantly exposing himself to intense and accurate hostile mortar, artillery, automatic-weapons and small-arms fire, he directed the defense of successive blocking positions and, at all times, inspired his units to greater efforts in inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. Laboring untiringly, he devised intricate maneuvers to delay and confuse the hostile forces, and devoted himself to insuring adequate medical care for the battalion casualties. By his aggressive leadership, decisive actions and thorough understanding of the multitudinous problems confronting his battalion, he aided immeasurably in the success achieved by the regiment. His outstanding courage, daring initiative and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Colonel Hopkins and the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
June 2, 1951
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 257 (April 9, 1952)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.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
November 18 – December 15, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Major John Leland Hopkins (MCSN: 0-7421), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Executive Officer of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 18 November to 15 December 1950. Exercising outstanding skill and exceptional foresight throughout this period, Major Hopkins discharged his responsibilities with diligence, providing his commanding officer with a constant flow of accurate information despite frequent exposure to intense enemy fire. A capable and inspiring officer, he expertly handled tactical and logistical problems and was directly instrumental in maintaining maximum combat efficiency in his battalion, thereby contributing essentially to its success. His professional ability, resourceful initiative and unswerving devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Major Hopkins and the United States Naval Service. (Major Hopkins is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)