Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army (Headquarters Company, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division "Red Arrow", U.S. Army)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to James I. Hunt (0-450276), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Anti-Tank Platoon of Headquarters Company, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 2 to 5 December 1942, during the Papuan Campaign at Buna, New Guinea. While leading his platoon in an attack on Buna Village, First Lieutenant Hunt, when the attack was checked by hostile fire, crawled forward without regard to his personal safety and threw a hand grenade into an enemy machine gun emplacement. Although wounded above the knee during this action, he continued to lead his platoon in the attack. Evacuated two days later because of his wound, he voluntarily returned to duty with his unit the following day, although the bullet had not been removed and his hospitalization was recommended. First Lieutenant Hunt's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 32nd Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, South West Pacific Area, General Orders No. 1 (1 January 1943).