GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN HOAPILI, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving as Platoon Commander with Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-sixth Marines, Third Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 9 May 1968, Gunnery Sergeant (then Staff Sergeant) Hoapili led a patrol composed of two five-man teams into an ambush position in Quang Tri Province. Arriving at the designated site, he skillfully deployed his two teams into mutually supporting positions. Alertly observing numberous North Vietnamese soldiers approaching his position, he immediately delivered a heavy volume of fire against the enemy, killing two hostile soldiers and initiating the ambush. After his men killed the remaining North Vietnamese, the Marines were conducting a thorough search of the area when they suddenly came under intense hostile fire. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Hoapili led his men to a predesigned rendez-vous and established a perimeter defense. Pinpointing an enemy machine-gun emplacement, he moved about the hazardous area, shouting words of encouragement to his men and gathering numerous hand grenades. Disregarding his own safety, he fearlessly rushed across the fire-swept terrain hurling hand grenades at the hostile position. As he maneuvered forward, he was knocked to the ground and seriously wounded when an enemy grenade detonated near him. Ignoring his painful injuries, he regained his feet and aggressively continued forward, delivering automatic rifle fire which killed the North Vietnamese soldiers and silenced their machine gun. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and forced the enemy to break contact and flee. By his daring initiative, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwaving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Sergeant Hoapili contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Mr. Hoapili resides in California.