DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed force in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 February 1969. Specialist Four Hook distinguished himself while serving as an assistant machine gunner on a movement to contact mission near the city of Phan Thiet, Binh Thuan Province, Republic of Vietnam. When Company C was alerted to conduct a combat assault against a North Vietnamese Army Battalion in contact outside the city of Phan Thiet, Specialist Hook volunteered for the mission. Upon landing in the contact area, his entire element was pinned down by heavy automatic weapons and B-40 rocket fire. Courageously braving the enemy fire, he ran to a stream bed and began to place accurate covering fire for his platoon as it moved to more advantageous fighting positions. When his element was faced with crossing a highway under a cross-fire of automatic weapons fire, he again charged forward and ran through the enemy fire to the other side. Once there, he remained in a completely uncovered position while he engaged the well entrenched enemy with accurate suppressive fire. Despite the heavy volume of fire directed against him, he continued to cover his men’s advance. While still providing covering fire, he was mortally wounded. As a direct result of his heroic actions, he averted further casualties to his comrades and kept the momentum of their assault going, which resulted in a resounding defeat against a numerically superior enemy force. Specialist Hook’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 25 July 1963.

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