The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Thomas E. Hoptry (ASN: 39112616), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 274th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division on 3 March 1945. When communications were frequently disrupted by enemy fire during the attack on Styring Wendel, France, Staff Sergeant Hoptry led wire parties to repair the lines. Although he lost six men by artillery fire, he continued his mission with one other wireman who was in turn wounded. Staff Sergeant Hoptry dragged his comrade to safety under heavy shelling, assisted in his evacuation, and completed his mission alone. His gallant actions restored vitally important communications to forward companies and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service.