- SURNAME
Hoffman
- FORENAME
Raymond George
- UNIT
1st Marine Parachute Battalion (Company C)
- RANK
Sergeant
- NUMBER
286789
- AWARD
Silver Star
- PLACE
Bougainville, 1st January 1944
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KIA Iwo Jima - See Roll of Honour
also awarded posthumous Navy Cross
ROLL OF HONOUR:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/hoffman-raymond-george.59886/CITATION:
Navy Cross : The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Raymond George Hoffman (MCSN: 286789), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism as a Squad Leader, serving with Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 2 March 1945. Gallantly leading his squad in a vigorous drive against an enemy position fortified by several heavy caliber gun emplacements, Sergeant Hoffman steadily approached the area against a terrific barrage of rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire, repeatedly risking his life during the advance to proceed from man to man and assure himself that each was in proper cover from the blistering fire. Seriously wounded in the shoulder by hostile rifle fire as he launched his attack, he staunchly refused to be evacuated and, striking the enemy with unrelenting fury, directed his men in four successive grenade and hand-to-hand encounters to secure the emplacements and scatter the remaining hostile troops. Concerned only for the welfare of his squad, he fearlessly penetrated the most forward areas to conduct a reconnaissance and ascertain the security of the vicinity and, while carrying out his perilous mission, was fatally struck down by a Japanese rifleman concealed near an adjacent foxhole. By his courageous leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and unwavering determination in the face of tremendous odds, Sergeant Hoffman contributed to the success of his squad in accounting for twenty-five Japanese with the loss of only one of his own men. His valiant devotion to duty throughout the fierce action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Raymond George Hoffman (MCSN: 286789), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Parachute Battalion, First Marine Parachute Regiment, First Marine Amphibious Corps in action against enemy Japanese forces east of the Torokina River, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 1 January 1944. Crawling through heavy hostile fire to a spot where a comrade lay wounded, Sergeant Hoffman dragged the man to an area of comparative safety, administered first aid, and then had him removed to the company aid station. On another occasion, he and another Marine ran through heavy Japanese fire to a position where first aid could be rendered. By repeatedly exposing himself to enemy gun fire I order to aid his wounded comrade Sergeant Hoffman served to inspire other members of his squad to greater battle efforts. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Raymond George Hoffman (MCSN: 286789), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Parachute Battalion, First Marine Parachute Regiment, First Marine Amphibious Corps in action against enemy Japanese forces east of the Torokina River, Bougainville, Solomon Islands on 1 January 1944. Crawling through heavy hostile fire to a spot where a comrade lay wounded, Sergeant Hoffman dragged the man to an area of comparative safety, administered first aid, and then had him removed to the company aid station. On another occasion, he and another Marine ran through heavy Japanese fire to a position where first aid could be rendered. By repeatedly exposing himself to enemy gun fire I order to aid his wounded comrade Sergeant Hoffman served to inspire other members of his squad to greater battle efforts. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
