The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] James S. Hunt, United States Coast Guard (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry in action while serving as Boat Group Commander of the Assault Craft attached to the U.S.S. SAMUEL CHASE (APA-26) during the amphibious invasion of Italy on 9 September 1943. Successfully leading his assault boat crews to the assigned beaches in the Gulf of Salerno, Commander Hunt expedited the landing of embarked troops and equipment in the face of tremendous enemy opposition. Making an extended reconnaissance in an assault boat beyond the established beaches and under heavy enemy artillery fire on 10 September, he obtained valuable information which assisted greatly in the effective employment of assaulting forces against strongly defended enemy positions.