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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] William Reese Hunnicutt, Jr. (NSN: 0-81132), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. AULICK (DD-569), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, from 16 May to 30 June 1945. Serving with distinction during this period, twenty-two days of which were spent on radar picket station, Commander Hunnicutt skillfully evaded or drove off numerous enemy air attacks and assisted in destroying three enemy planes. By his leadership and determination, he succeeded in bringing his vessel safely through a period of hazardous duty without casualties or damage to materiel. His courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Burns (DD-588)

    Action Date:

    January 30, 1944
    Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 61 (June 2, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Commander [then Lieutenant] William Reese Hunnicutt, Jr. (NSN: 0-81132), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Evaluator of the U.S.S. BURNS (DD-588), during operations against an enemy Japanese convoy in the Pacific Ocean Areas, o the night of 30 January 1944. Skilled in the performance of his assigned duties, Commander Hunnicutt supplied his Commanding Officer and the Gunnery Officer with correct information concerning the composition, bearing, course and speed of an enemy force with which his ship had made contact, thereby enabling his ship to sink the entire convoy of four hostile ships without damage to his own vessel. His courage, professional ability and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Hunnicutt is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)