1LT Hunter was born in Libby, Montana on 28 January, 1959 and entered the Army in 1976. He completed Warrant Officer Flight Training with follow-on qualification in the AH-1 attack helicopter. He was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion in 1986, where he served as a Fully Mission Qualified pilot for two years.
Subsequently, he applied and was accepted for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Aviation branch. He returned to 1st Battalion, serving as a platoon leader, assistant S3, and liaison officer to special operation ground forces. He participated in the Persian Gulf crisis.
1LT Hunter’s awards and decorations include a Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Legion of Merit.
He distinguished himself by gallantry in action on 20 December, 1989 while assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion as an AH-6G light attack helicopter gunship pilot during Operation Just Cause. 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.
Back to Memorial Wall
