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Navy Federal Credit Union

Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard L. Hunt (NSN: 0-223814), United States Navy, was captured by Japanese forces after his Torpedo Plane was shot down during World War II and was held as a Prisoner of War until his death while still in captivity.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 7 (VT-7)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    October 13, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 348 (March 1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard L. Hunt, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a TBM embarked in U.S.S. HANCOCK (CV-19) on 13 October 1944.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 7 (VT-7)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    December 15, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 340 (July 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard L. Hunt, Jr., United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber at Luzon, 15 December 1944.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 7 (VT-7)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hancock (CV-19)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1944

    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.