Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Fred Hofmann, Jr. (MCSN: 451526), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with Company E, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Guam, Mariana Islands, 24 July 1944. Placed in charge of two machine-gun squads and ten riflemen protecting a draw leading into his battalion’s lines, Corporal Hofmann steadfastly maintained his position despite an overwhelming night attack by hostile forces, inflicting heavy casualties on the wildly rushing Japanese. When an enemy grenade was thrown into the foxhole he shared with three other men, Corporal Hofmann immediately placed a helmet over it and, pinning it down with his shoulder, received the full force of the explosion in his back. Although seriously wounded, he heroically remained at his post until daybreak when all Japanese forces had been driven from the area and, by his courage and initiative, contributed materially to the repulse of the furious onslaught. His determination and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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