Photo By Sgt. L'Erin Wynn | The command team of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne): (L-R) CSM Terry Sanchez, Col....... read more read more
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EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The command team of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) welcomed distinguished visitor, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. (retired) Philip Hooper, World War II veteran and multiple award recipient to Camp “Bull” Simons, October 4, 2019.
The visit served to properly recognize one of the fleeting, WWII service member population with the honors he earned during his tenure as a Soldier. The following was taken from the official request from the Military Order of the Purple Heart that he be re-presented with his accolades:
“Phil served with B Co., 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and participated in four major campaigns: Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy and the Rhineland Campaigns. In addition, Mr. Hooper was involved in the Utah Beach landing, Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Bastogne and Operation Market Garden. On 16 January 1945 just one day before Gen. Patton’s Army relieved the 101st Airborne Division at Bastogne, Staff Sgt. Philip Hooper was wounded by German artillery fire commonly known as “tree busters.” Among his numerous awards, Phil is a recipient of the Bronze Star (GO#90), Purple Heart (GO#63), Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) (GO#31), Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (EAME) with four Campaign Stars and Arrowhead, Combat Infantryman Badge and Glider Wings. It should be noted that the DUC was replaced with the Presidential Unit Citation in late 1945.”
During an interview, it was revealed by Hooper that he had lost and had his medals taken from him over the years. With this, it became the mission of Gretchen Erikson with the National Veteran’s Heritage Project, to “do everything in [her] power to ensure that we could honor Phil.”
The NVHP is a program that serves to honor veterans, preserve history and develop future leaders.
As a current resident of Niceville, FL, Hooper was interviewed with the intent of documenting his historical contribution as a veteran. His story was brought to the attention of Erikson who was put in touch with Florida congressman, Matt Gaetz who then reached out to 7th SFG(A).
With the help of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the NVHP arranged to have Hooper’s medals, badges and awards replaced and 7th SFG(A) was chosen as the backdrop for the event.
“There was great vision to bring the Army into our community in this meaningful way with the 7th Special Forces Group,” said Gaetz in a short speech just before presenting Hooper with a triangle-shaped shadowbox containing his service decorations.
The command team expressed that they considered it nothing less than honorable to host such a man on such an occasion.
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to have you here today, as well as Congressman Gaetz, to ensure that you get the medals back that you’ve so rightfully earned,” said Col. John W. Sannes, commander, 7th SFG(A). “We’ve all studied your service and history and it means a lot to have a veteran like yourself, here.”
Those in attendance expressed respect for the service and sacrifice of their elder vet with handshakes and words of gratitude.
“For our office to have had just a small part in reuniting you with your medals and with the great valor and distinction that you’ve carried with you throughout your life means the world to us,” said Gaetz.
| Date Taken: | 10.04.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2020 13:09 |
| Story ID: | 346290 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Hometown: | NICEVILLE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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