The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant James B. Hunter, Jr. (MCSN: 0-32913), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism as a Platoon Leader of Company F, Second Battalion, first Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 16 September 1944. With only two-thirds of his command left after a day of heavy fighting, Second Lieutenant Hunter reorganized his men and continued the assault across an airport where, inspired by his daring leadership, the platoon succeeded in destroying three hostile positions which were holding up the advance of the company, and in inflicting heavy casualties on the Japanese. Although painfully wounded upon entering the barracks area north of the airport, he crawled forward to a hostile pillbox which was holding up the advance of his company, threw several grenades and killed six of the enemy before he became unconscious from loss of blood. By his cool courage and aggressive fighting spirit, Second Lieutenant Hunter contributed to the success of his Battalion’s advance, and his valiant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.