The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) William Patrick Hunt, Jr. (ASN: 0-26192), United States Army, for heroism while participating in aerial flight over enemy-held territory, near Naechon, Korea, on 21 June 1952. Serving as air officer and pilot with the 7th Infantry Division, he voluntarily piloted an unarmed observation aircraft to provide support and information to friendly ground forces assaulting a strategic hill. Realizing that the heavy smoke pall arising from the battle area obstructed ground observation, Major Hunt circled the area at low altitudes under intense hostile fire. Through radio contact with friendly forces, he reported enemy troop locations and adjusted artillery and mortar fire. During the mission, the aircraft was operating within the trajectory of friendly artillery shells, many of which were equipped with radio proximity fuses set to detonate the projectile upon coming within 20 yards of an object. Fully aware of the odds against him, he continued to direct firepower until the mission was successfully completed, but while covering the withdrawal of friendly elements, his plane was hit by a projectile and crashed to the ground, mortally wounding him. Major Hunt’s heroic actions enabled the battalion to accomplish its mission and inflict heavy casualties on the foe. His consummate devotion to duty reflects great credit on himself and upholds the highest traditions of the military service.