The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Leo Bruce Hunt (AFSN: 0-76955), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron near Lai Khe, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 January 1968. On that date, just after takeoff, his aircraft received battle damage, and Captain Hunt was wounded in the right arm. He then flew for one hour and fifteen minutes to provide close air support for an ambushed United States Army convoy that had sustained numerous losses and casualties. Ignoring his own injuries, Captain Hunt made numerous low altitude, low angle passes through hostile ground fire. His selfless determination and courage prevented the destruction of a friendly ground unit, and dealt heavy losses to the Viet Cong force. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Hunt has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
531st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
January 31, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-105 (January 8, 1969) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
CaptainBatallion:
531st Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
Bien Hoa Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
January 6, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-2368 (August 5, 1968), amended by SO G-3980 (December 23, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Leo Bruce Hunt (AFSN: 0-76955), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 pilot near the village of Tan Uyen, Republic of Vietnam on 6 January 1968. On that date, Captain Hunt flew two night close air support missions against a large Viet Cong force who were attacking a small village defended by United States Army forces. Despite intense ground fire directed at his aircraft by the hostile forces, darkness, poor weather conditions, and the extremely close proximity of friendly forces, he made numerous low altitude, low angle passes on the enemy positions, delivering his ordnance with unerring accuracy on each pass. Through his exceptional aerial skill and complete disregard for personal safety, the attack was broken and the village saved from being overrun. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Hunt reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.