Washington soldier's actions saved many lives

Staff Sergeant Joe Hooper from Moses Lake, Wash., was probably the most highly decorated soldier from the Vietnam War. He was like Audie Murphy of World War II. 

Hooper was a squad leader in Company D, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions Feb. 21, 1968. 

His unit was a few miles north of Hue attacking across a rice paddy. Enemy bunkers were in the tree line and well camouflaged. Hooper took his squad on a direct assault knocking out five of the bunkers. One of his troops was seriously wounded, but despite enemy bullets firing at him, he took the man back to safety. Then another was badly wounded, as was Hooper, but despite his wounds, he carried the second soldier to safety.

Hooper patched himself up and went back to the battle spotting a triple bunker complex. He sprayed gunfire and grenade in the first, killing all the defenders, from there he shot all the enemy in the second bunker and then raced around that bunker to attack and kill all in the third bunker. 

Upon returning to the rear, they were jumped by three NVA, Hooper killed all three. Then another three jumped out, Hooper killed one but the other two escaped running into a house. He blew up the house, killing them. Then another, but Hooper was out of ammo. Luckily the enemy soldier's rifle jammed and he ran away, but Hooper caught him and killed him with his bayonet.

Getting more ammunition, they attacked a house. The enemy threw out a grenade, wounding Hooper. He was told to go to the rear for aid, but Hooper kept leading his men into the attack. 

There were four more bunkers, Hooper took them all out by himself with grenades. He evacuated another man, on his back and was attacked by another NVA. Joe killed him with a pistol. Then he went back again. Joe saw three enemy officers, snuck in behind and killed all three.

For all these actions, he received the Medal of Honor. He had other battles and won more decorations.

Roger Gregory is a Vietnam veteran and business owner in Priest River.