AWARDED DFC: 2
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  Vietnam
MODEL:  F-4

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David R. Hunter, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 22 November 1968, Captain Hunter launched as Section Leader of a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned the mission of providing close air support for an infantry unit heavily engaged with the enemy near the Hoi An River south of DaNang. Arriving over the designated area, despite rain showers and reduced visibility, he was informed by the tactical air controller (airborne) that the proximity of friendly and enemy positions would require precise ordnance delivery. In addition, helicopters operating nearby frequently crossed the strike path, presenting the added danger of possible mid air collision. Disregarding the hostile automatic weapons fire directed at his aircraft, Captain Hunter fearlessly commenced a series of determined attacks on the enemy emplacements. Skillfully avoiding other aircraft in the area and delivering his bombs with pinpoint accuracy on the target, he conducted a total of five bombing runs and was instrumental in the flight's accounting for three enemy structures destroyed. Captain Hunter's courage, superb aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain David R. Hunter, United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 115, Marine Aircraft Group Thirteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 17 February 1969, Captain Hunter launched from the Chu Lai Air Base as Wingman in a flight of two F-4 Phantom aircraft assigned the mission of interdicting enemy supply routes in an area heavily defended by antiaircraft guns. While being briefed during his orbit over the designated area, he alertly observed hostile 37mm antiaircraft fire being directed at another flight conducting air strikes. Recognizing that successful interdiction bombing was impossible without silencing the fire from the enemy antiaircraft guns, Captain Hunter, undaunted by the darkness and the extremely heavy volume of hostile fire, resolutely commenced an attack upon one of the enemy emplacements. With complete disregard for his own safety, he ignored the countless tracers and airbursts form the hostile sites as he fearlessly maneuvered his Phantom in a dive upon the target, and released his ordnance with such devastating accuracy and effectiveness that the enemy emplacement was destroyed. Captain Hunter's courage, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.