Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Joseph Lee Hopta (MCSN: 77043), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifty-Fifth Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near Vierzy, France, 18 July 1918. Private Hopta captured an enemy machine gun and its crew single-handed under a heavy concentrated machine-gun fire.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    September 30 – November 11, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal Joseph Leo Hopta (MCSN: 77043), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Hopta distinguished himself while serving with the 55th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in France, 30 September to 11 November 1918.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    November 11, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal Joseph Leo Hopta (MCSN: 77043), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Hopta distinguished himself while serving with the 55th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18 – 22, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D. 1918), Corporal Joseph Leo Hopta (MCSN: 77043), United States Marine Corps, is cited (Posthumously) by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Corporal Hopta distinguished himself while serving with the 55th Company, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at Soissons, France, 18 to 22 July 1918.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 18, 1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal Joseph Leo Hopta (MCSN: 77043), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 55th Company, 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near Vierzy, France, 18 July 1918. Private Hopta captured an enemy machine gun and its crew single-handed under a heavy concentrated machine-gun fire.