South West Pacific Area. Admiral Daniel Barbey, Commander 7th Amphibious Force, presented the ...

South West Pacific Area. Admiral Daniel Barbey, Commander 7th Amphibious Force, presented the Legion of Merit decoration to Brigadier (Brig) R. N. L. Hopkins, AIF and congratulated him with a handshake. This was the first occasion that such an award had been conferred on an Australian Army Officer. Admiral Barbey said that Brig Hopkins had joined his staff when it arrived in Australia nearly two years ago and had been present at every amphibious landing since then. Through his personal relationships and the enormous knowledge he had gained of amphibious tactics, he had become virtually a member of the US Navy. The citation said that the award was for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. By his excellent judgment, industry and distinguished military skill, Brig Hopkins had rendered invaluable assistance in planning and execution of important amphibious operations. Brig Hopkins was born at Stawell, Vic, served in the Australian Light Horse in WW1 and his home is at Toorak.