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.

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.