Hooper enlisted in the United States Army in May 1960 as a private first class, and attended Basic Training at Fort Ord, California.

Instead, he was assigned as a platoon sergeant in Panama with the 3rd Battalion (Airborne), 508th Infantry, 193rd Infantry Brigade first with HQ Company and later with Company B. Hooper could not stay out of trouble, and suffered several Article 15 hearings, and was reduced to the rank of corporal in July 1967.

On March 7, 1969, he was presented the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon during a ceremony in the White House.

From June to December 1970, he served as a platoon sergeant with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile).

He served as a platoon leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) until April 1971.

Despite wanting to serve twenty years in the Army, Hooper was made to retire in February 1974 as a first lieutenant, mainly because he only completed a handful of college courses beyond his GED.

As soon as he was released from active duty, he joined a unit of the Army Reserve's 12th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Washington as a Company Executive Officer.

According to rumors, he was distressed by the anti-war politics of the time, and compensated with excessive drinking which contributed to his death.

Entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. Born: August 8, 1938, Piedmont, S.C. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Hooper, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as squad leader with Company D. Company D was assaulting a heavily defended enemy position along a river bank when it encountered a withering hail of fire from rockets, machine guns and automatic weapons.

He then raced across an open field, still under enemy fire, to rescue a wounded man who was trapped in a trench.

Moving his comrade to safety and returning to his men, he neutralized the final pocket of enemy resistance by fatally wounding 3 North Vietnamese officers with rifle fire.

Hooper then established a final line and reorganized his men, not accepting treatment until this was accomplished and not consenting to evacuation until the following morning.

His supreme valor, inspiring leadership and heroic self-sacrifice were directly responsible for the company's success and provided a lasting example in personal courage for every man on the field.

Hooper's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S.