The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Medical Corps) William Ireys Hunt (ASN: 0-436105), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a Battalion Surgeon with the 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, 5 on June 1944. Desiring to be where he might be needed most, Captain Hunt accompanied a small reconnaissance patrol into Japanese territory. The patrol ran into an enemy ambush which opened fire at a thirty-yard range. During the action, the lead scout was killed and three other men were wounded. Disregarding his personal safety, Captain Hunt courageously went forward under exposure to the heavy hostile fire toward the casualties and in doing so was mortally wounded. Although such bravery was neither ordered nor expected of a Battalion Surgeon, this officer readily sacrificed his life in an attempt to help his wounded comrades. Captain Hunt’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.