The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander James L. Hunnicutt (NSN: 0-73054), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CARP (SS-338), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 8 June 1945 to 2 August 1945, in enemy controlled waters off the coast of Honshu, Japan. With great determination and highly aggressive tactics, Lieutenant Commander Hunnicutt took his submarine into dangerous enemy waters and launched a series of smartly conducted gun and torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking and damaging of approximately 12,000 tons of enemy shipping. During the first part of this War Patrol, this submarine group successfully conducted a surface sweep for picket boats in advance of important fleet movements. Lieutenant Commander Hunnicutt’s skillfully evaded all enemy countermeasures and brought his ship back to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
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Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Carp (SS-338)Action Date:
June 8 – August 2, 1945
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Tinosa (SS-238)Action Date:
March 29 – May 15, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander James L. Hunnicutt (NSN: 0-73054), United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in the performance of his duties as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TINOSA (SS-238), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 15 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Strait in the Philippine Islands. His excellent judgment and ability were of invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in conducting aggressive torpedo and gun attacks against enemy shipping, sinking four enemy ships totaling over 25,600 tons, one of these being a trawler which was destroyed by gunfire, and damaged four enemy ships totaling 25,000 tons. His outstanding leadership and coolness in emergencies contributed much to his ship’s successful evasion of enemy counterattacks. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to the officers and men in his ship and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.