Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Bombing Squadron 85 (VB-85), U.S.S. ShangriI-La (CV-38) (Bombing Squadron 85 (VB-85), U.S.S. ShangriI-La (CV-38))

Awarded on:

October 11th, 1945

Citation:
"for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron EIGHTY-FIVE (VB-85), attached to the U.S.S. SHANGRI-LA (CV-38), in action against powerful units of the Japanese Fleet at Honshu Island, Japan, on 18 July 1945. Vigorously participating in an attack against the enemy battleship NAGATO at the Yokosuka Naval Base, probably the most heavily-defended area in the Japanese Empire, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hungerford dived to a low level through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from shore batteries and a large number of ships in the harbor and scored a direct hit on the aiming point prescribed in the operation order, thereby causing extensive damage to the vessel. Although his plane was damaged and his radio rendered inoperable, he retired successfully over a perilous area and flew directly back to the carrier to obtain medical aid for his wounded aircrewman at the earliest possible moment. His courage and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 02061 (October 11, 1945).