The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Homer S. Hunt (MCSN: 2083285), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company I, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 September 1969, Company I was inserted by helicopter into an area eleven miles northeast of Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province and immediately came under fire from a large, well-concealed enemy force. As Platoon Sergeant of the point platoon, Staff Sergeant Hunt unhesitatingly moved to the front of his unit and began directing his men’s fire on the enemy soldiers. Fearlessly moving across the fire-swept terrain to assist the men wounded by the initial bursts of fire, he completely exposed himself to the deadly enemy rounds as he administered first aid to his fellow Marines. Ignoring the deadly hail of fire, he moved from position to position, providing encouragement and pinpointing enemy snipers. Knocked to the ground by an exploding enemy round, Staff Sergeant Hunt quickly regained his feet and, although dazed, requested and adjusted 80-mm. mortar fire to within fifty meters of his position, never once seeking cover or protection from the continual enemy bombardment. His heroic example of firm leadership under fire was an inspiration to his men and was instrumental in the defeat of the numerically superior enemy force. By his courage, bold initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of extreme danger, Staff Sergeant Hunt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.