For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: On 24 November 1967, Private First Class Hoover was serving as a machinegunner on a reconnaissance in force mission in Viet Cong infested jungle. During the afternoon, his company received intensive small arms and automatic weapons fire from an estimated company of North Vietnamese Regulars. Private First Class Hoover immediately set up his machinegun and began placing heavy, accurate fire on the insurgents. As the battle wore on, an estimated squad of enemy soldiers charged directly at his position. He immediately engaged them with devastating bursts of fire, killing several within 100 feet of his position. The insurgents returned his fire with automatic weapons, killing his assistant gunner and wounding him. Grasping the seriousness of the situation, Private First Class Hoover ignored his wounds as he continued to place devastatingly accurate fire on the advancing North Vietnamese. He allowed himself to receive medical aid only after the insurgents had fled. His courage and determination under fire contributed significantly to the rout of the enemy force. Private First Class Hoover's outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.