John R. Hunter

SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Aviation) John R. Hunter, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Mission Pilot of an AH-6G Light Attack Helicopter Gunship and Assistant S3, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (Airborne), 1st Special Operations Command, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on 20 December 1989, in support of Operation JUST CAUSE, in Panama. Although his helicopter sustained hits from enemy anti-aircraft fire, he remained in an intense battle to support the exfiltration of friendly ground forces. After firing his ammunition, he quickly rearmed and, showing a complete disregard for his own personal safety, he returned to the engagement to ensure the successful mission accomplishment of the ground forces. His aircraft, #678, sustained a crippling hit and crashed. His personal bravery and self sacrifice reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.