The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Alvin Hopkins (ASN: RA-38398244), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Platoon Sergeant, 1st Platoon, Company A, 2d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, on a search and destroy operation in the central highlands, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 July 1966. At mid-morning, Sergeant Hopkins’ unit was attacked by an estimated company of North Vietnamese Army troops. The leading platoon, of which Sergeant Hopkins was Platoon Sergeant, received the brunt of the enemy’s initial assault. In the face of devastating and vicious enemy fire and with complete disregard for his own life, Sergeant Hopkins continually moved across the platoon front inspiring and encouraging his men. Realizing that one enemy machine gun positioned to his platoon’s front was particularly effective and would more than likely preclude maneuver, Sergeant Hopkins and one other man attacked the position. Although he fell mortally wounded halfway through the assault, Sergeant Hopkins rose, gallantly pressed on, and finally destroyed the machine gun nest. This action proved to be the turning point of the battle, the enemy never regained the initiative and soon fled the battle area. Sergeant Hopkins’ outstanding leadership, gallantry, and magnificent and inspirational courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.