Hooper, Joe Ronnie, 1938-1979

Joe Ronnie Hooper (August 8, 1938 – May 6, 1979) was an American who served in both the United States Navy and United States Army where he finished his career there as a captain. He earned the Medal of Honor while serving as an army staff sergeant on February 21, 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was one of the most decorated U.S. soldiers of the war and was wounded in action eight times.

Hooper was born in Piedmont, South Carolina, but he grew up in Washington state. He enlisted in the Navy at 17, serving until his honorable discharge in 1959. He later decided to join the Army. Hooper was on his second tour of duty in Vietnam during 1968's Tet Offensive. He was a 29-year-old sergeant in Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 101st Airborne Division when his actions on February 21, 1968 earned the Medal of Honor. After that day, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. On March 7, 1969, Hooper recieved the Medal of Honor from President Richard Nixon. Reports show he even asked the president for special permission to return to Vietnam.

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