Joe-Ronnie-Hooper


Joe Ronnie Hooper was not only a hero in the Vietnam War; he is also the most decorated soldier in American international combat, even eclipsing both York and Murphy. He was born on August 8th, 1938 in Piedmont, South Carolina. His family moved when he was a child to Moses Lake, Washington, where he attended high school. Hooper grew up a tough kid who knew how to scrap and take care of himself, and would even on some occasions go looking for a fight. This mentality would find itself of use when Hooper enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 in the summer of 1955. There he served until 1961 when he left for the Army. Joe served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam, one from 1966-67 and another from 1967-68, with D company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He would return to action in 1969 with special permission from the president.
A copy of the General Order awarding CMH is here. check out the YouTube video here.
Medal of Honor Winner Foil’s NBA’s Destruction Attempt
FIREBASE BASTOGNE - Four NVA soldiers recently had their attempts to destroy several American helicopters foiled by Medal of Honor winner 2LT Joe Hooper, Zillah, Wash., Co. A, 2nd Bn. (Ambl.), 501st Inf. and four men of his platoon, near FB Bastogne. "We CAed into a small LZ," said 2LT Hooper, "As soon as I got off the bird, four NVA soldiers opened up on us with small arms fire and hand grenades. My bird was the only one to land and there were five of us on it." As the rest of his platoon circled above, Hooper directed his four-man squad to engage the enemy with what weapons they had. In the initial contact, the five Drive On troopers killed two NVA soldiers and wounded the other two. As the fighting continued, Hooper called in air strikes and ARA on the enemy position. By noon the enemy fire had ceased and Hooper called in the remainder of his platoon, who linked up with the 1st Plat. and the two units searched for the enemy. (more)

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