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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Edward Wendell Hunn (ASN: 0-479467), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 2 September 1950 in the vicinity of Am-Sin, Korea. On the night of 2 September 1950, Captain Hunn was leading a section of heavy machine guns to a defensive position on the Naktong River front. While proceeding along a narrow road, his section was suddenly ambushed by a large enemy force and was subjected to heavy and close range automatic weapons and small arms fire. Shouting orders to his men to go into position and open fire upon the enemy, Captain Hunn remained fully exposed hurling hand grenades at the enemy. When he had thrown his last grenade, he rushed to a vehicle, secured a machine gun, mounted it and opened a deadly stream of fire upon the enemy until he fell mortally wounded. His selfless concern for his men and his fearlessness in engaging overwhelming odds enabled his section to effect a withdrawal with a minimum of losses. The gallantry displayed by Captain Hunn reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    120th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    30th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 14, – 15 1944
    Headquarters, 30th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 68 (October 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Edward Wendell Hunn (ASN: 0-479467), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy from 14 August 1944 to 15 August 1944, in France. First Lieutenant Hunn was serving as platoon leader with an infantry unit making a sustained attack on a stubbornly resisting enemy. During two dangerous missions, First Lieutenant Hunn personally led the most advanced platoon of the assaulting forces and by his daring and aggressive initiative, both missions were successfully accomplished. Despite painful wounds received in the course of the engagement, First Lieutenant Hunn remained in his position of leadership until both objectives had been attained. His dogged determination and fighting spirit made two important tactical victories possible. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Hunn, 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 Army.