The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard L. Hunt, Jr., United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron SEVEN (VT-7), attached to the U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19), in action against enemy Japanese forces in Philippine waters during the Air Battle of Leyte Gulf on 26 October 1944. as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in a torpedo attack, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hunt scored a destructive hit on a heavy cruiser of the Japanese Fleet, which contributed to its probable sinking. In the face of a severe barrage of anti-aircraft fire and the fast maneuvering of the target, he displayed outstanding skill and conspicuous unwavering courage in driving home his attack. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Navy of the United States.