The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Leon T. Hunter (ASN: 34643679), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the *** Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), XII Corps, in action against the enemy on 8 November 1944, in France. Sergeant Hunter, without orders, moved 500 yards up a roadside ditch three times under enemy machine gun and other small arms fire to bring back two members of a light tank whose crew, which included the platoon leader, was wounded as a result of bazooka fire. In his attempt to save a third member, Sergeant Hunter was wounded by artillery fire but still supervised the evacuation of the wounded men. By his devotion to the men in his platoon and his quick action and initiative, Sergeant Hunter displayed the qualities of leadership that make him an outstanding soldier. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.