HOPKINS PERRY C

CW3 Perry C Hopkins was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 05/04/2019 at the age of 87.2
Clover, SC
Date of Birth 02/03/1932
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 161 AHC in 66
This information was provided by Les Hines

More detail on this person: From:Leslie Hines To:Mike Law , Gary Roush , Michael Sloniker Subject:Fwd: 161AHC - Perry Hopkins Date:Jan 21, 2021 1:45 PM I sent this email about the loss of Perry Hopkins to the Americal Division editors. Then later, I thought that I hadn't seen this listed in the VHPA newsletter taps section. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Leslie Hines Date: Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 12:40 PM Subject: Fwd: 161AHC - Perry Hopkins To: Roger Gilmore , amcalvn , dwtaylor Perry C. Hopkins received a Distinguished Service Cross while serving with the 161st AHC in 1966. The 161st AHC was part of the 14th Aviation Battalion which was used to form the new 123rd Avn Bn.. The 14th and 123rd Aviation Battalions were the two helicopter battalions supporting the Americal Division. There were very few Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to the helicopter units. We had one other one for pilot, James Bridges from B/123rd Avn for actions in July 19, 1969. LTC Kettles from the 176th AHC received one, but it was upgraded to the CMOH before he passed. MG Patrick Brady received the CMOH award. HOPKINS, PERRY C. Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), U.S. Army 161st Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade, Date of Action: May 17, 1966 Citation: The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Perry C. Hopkins, Chief Warrant Officer (W-2), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with 161st Aviation Company, 14th Combat Aviation Battalion. Chief Warrant Officer Hopkins distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 17 May 1966 while leading a flight of two armed helicopters in support of a besieged American convoy near Phu Cat. Arriving over the battle, he immediately dove through the intense ground fire and attacked the well- entrenched Viet Cong. Although both aircraft were hit and damaged, Warrant Officer Hopkins dauntlessly pressed the attack until the ravaged convoy was able to withdraw. With their ambush broken, the insurgents concentrated their devastating fire on the two helicopters. Suddenly, a burst of automatic weapons fire ripped through the aircraft, killing the co-pilot and severing the control cables. Demonstrating composure and exceptional flying skill, Warrant Officer Hopkins successfully crash landed in a rice paddy. Jumping from the wreckage, he boldly fired his rifle into the charging Viet Cong, killing five. As the insurgents made repeated assaults, the crew dauntlessly held its position with devastating effect. Unmindful of the dangers, he courageously exposed himself to direct the fire of his gunners and extract the body of the dead co-pilot. With complete disregard for his safety, Warrant Officer Hopkins then shouldered his stricken comrade and, firing his weapon with one hand, he led his men across 70 meters of bullet-swept terrain to a rescue helicopter. Under his covering fire, they quickly boarded, and the aircraft extracted the beleaguered crew through a hail of bullets. His unimpeachable valor and profound concern for others saved his crew from certain death or capture, as they accounted for 55 dead insurgents. Chief Warrant Officer Hopkins' extraordinary heroism 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. HQ US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 475 (January 31, 1967) ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: John H. Hastings Date: Thu, Jan 21, 2021 at 10:49 AM Subject: 161AHC - Perry Hopkins To: Garland Lively , Les Hines FYI, while trying to resolve some returned mail/email, I have found that PERRY C. HOPKINS passed away on May 30, 2019.

This information was last updated 01/21/2021

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024