The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Walter Hunter, Jr. (NSN: 2764425), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Reconnaissance Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 28 September 1950. At about 1800, Company D, Seventh Marines, and his company came under heavy small arms fire and accurate enemy mortar and artillery concentrations, killing five men and wounding 18 including the Corpsman from Company D. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Hunter, voluntarily and with absolute disregard for his own safety, in the face of heavy enemy fire, assumed the responsibility for and directed the evacuation of the dead and wounded of both companies. He established an aid station in a shack near his company and spent several hours under heavy enemy sniper fire, and by his efficient and expert administration of blood plasma and medical aid to the wounded he saved numerous lives. The following morning still under extremely heavy fire and in the face of a determined enemy counterattack he remained at his post and treated 27 additional wounded from Company D and Company E, Seventh Marines. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Hunter’s display of initiative and heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Walter Hunter, Jr. (NSN: 2764425), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Reconnaissance Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 5 November 1950. At about 0800, while accompanying a reconnaissance patrol forward of friendly front lines, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Hunter, serving as Company Corpsman, and the patrol were pinned down by intense and accurate enemy small arms and mortar fire. Several members of the patrol were wounded and he observed one of the wounded lying in an exposed area. Without regard for his own personal safety, he ran through the enemy fire and drug the wounded Marine to a covered position, administered aid, and then attempted to rejoin his patrol and render aid to the remaining wounded. While crossing the enemy fire-swept area, he was severely wounded and lay in an exposed area, partially paralyzed until friendly forces were able to reach and evacuate him. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Hunter’s heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.