The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Fireman Second Class James C. Hunter, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. VINCENNES (CA-44), in action off Savo Island, 9 August 1942. Although his battle station had been rendered untenable by tremendous bombardment, Fireman Second Class Hunter, when he learned that the remote control gear for the main fuel-oil valve had become inoperative, voluntarily returned to the blazing fireroom, defying intense heat and suffocating fumes and, suffering severe burns about the face and arms, successfully closed the master oil valve by hand. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.