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Joe Ronnie Hooper
Episode 2590 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Veteran Joe Ronnie Hooper who could only be described as a killing machine. The featured story comes from the Air Force Times and is titled: Army of one: the soldier who left Vietnam with 115 confirmed kills. It was submitted by Jon Simkins. He is a writer and editor for Military Times, and a USMC veteran.
According to Simkins, nearly 50 years after he retired from the Army, Capt. Joe Ronnie Hooper’s service record remains one of the most astonishing testaments of bravery in the service’s long history.
When the day came to hang up his uniform for the last time, the Piedmont, South Carolina, native’s awards included two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, eight Purple Hearts, and a slew of other accolades, including the U.S. military’s highest commendation for valor, the Medal of Honor.
Hooper earned that last award on the evening of Feb. 21, 1968, during the Battle of Hue — a bloody month-long fight that would leave thousands dead and begin to shift public perception of the war in the U.S. That day, Hooper would be credited with 22 confirmed kills.
Hooper was presented the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon on March 7, 1969. He would be commissioned as an officer before retiring from the military in 1974. At the time of his retirement, the Army had credited him with 115 confirmed enemy KIA.
America is very fortunate to have citizens like Joe Ronnie Hooper who are willing to serve our country in war and risk their lives to protect us from our enemies. Hooper was laid to rest at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Listen to episode 2590 and discover more about Vietnam Veteran Joe Ronnie Hooper who could only be described as a killing machine.
CLICK HERE for Joe Ronnie Hooper‘s CMH citation.
