Robert Leon Hofmann's Obituary
Robert Leon Hofmann, II, aged 77, passed away March 01, 2024. At the age of 7, he spent two years in a prestigious Swiss military academy. He wanted to be just like his father, who flew B24's in WW2. Robert did exactly what he wanted to do: joined the army, learned to fly, and was heroic. Warrent Officer Hofmann went Vietnam as a Regular Army helicopter pilot. He flew the legendary Tiger Surprise, kept mirtars off Soc Trang airfield for an unprecidented 7 months, defeated numerous assaults, and finally captured an enemy mortar after killing a squad of VC. He was awarded a Silver Star for the heroic single aircraft defense of an allied outpost routing 200 enemy troops, with 45 KBA; a Bronze Star for Gallantry; the Soldier's Medal, 37 Air Medals (many with with valor); 3 Purple Hearts; and the Vietnamse Cross of Gallantry with a Gold Star. He lived most of his life in excruciating pain from repeated helicopter crashes, but it did not stop him from receiving his Bachelors Degree in military history from the University of Hawaii. He was the first of his family to finish higher education. He remained an optimistic, generous and wise soul. He leaves behind his wife of 22 years, Amy, and Ralph Waley, the last of the Widow's Sons.
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