Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Award of Air Force Cross to Russell M. Hunt
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
1. Award of Air Force Cross to Russell M. Hunt Marker
The Air Force Cross
to
Russell M. Hunt
Sergeant Russell M. Hunt distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as a mechanic on a UH-1 helicopter in Southeast Asia on 31 March 1967. On that date, Sergeant Hunts’ aircraft was shot down while participating in the evacuation of a beleaguered party of American and Allied ground forces. Despite painful injuries and continuous hostile fire, Sergeant Hunt rendered aid to increasing numbers of wounded personnel. When hostile actions forced a movement of the ground party, Sergeant Hunt assisted in carrying his mortally wounded aircraft commander in an exhausting trek to a designated landing zone. In the landing area, Sergeant Hunt again exposed himself to the hostile field of fire to give manual landing directions to the recovery helicopters, refusing evacuation until all seriously wounded personnel had been airlifted from the scene. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Sergeant Hunt reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Erected 2004 by Maxwell-Gunter AFSNCOA Class 04-F.
this page online
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the Distinguished Service Cross/Navy Cross/Air Force Cross Recipients series list.
Location. 32° 24.254′ N, 86° 14.966′ W. Marker is in Maxwell Air Force Base Gunter Annex, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Memorial can be reached from the intersection of McDonald Street and Avenue D. Located at the USAF Senior NCO Academy at the Gunter Annex and requires base access. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 McDonald St, Montgomery AL 36114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Award of Air Force Cross to William H. Pitsenbarger (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Eugene L. Clay (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Duane D. Hackney (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Larry W. Maysey (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Arthur N. Black (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Dennis M. Richardson (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to William A. Robinson (here, next to this marker); Award of Air Force Cross to Richard L. Etchberger
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 23, 2016
2. Wide view of AF Cross memorial plaques.
Regarding Award of Air Force Cross to Russell M. Hunt. A UH-1F helicopter, with flight mechanic Sgt. Russell M. Hunt in the crew, was shot down while evacuating American and Allied ground forces on March 31, 1967. Hunt sprang to work, aiding an increasing number of wounded men despite his own painful injuries and hostile fire. When the enemy action forced the ground party to move, he carried his mortally wounded aircraft commander to a designated landing zone. In the landing area Hunt braved enemy fire to give manual landing directions to the recovery helicopters and refused to leave until every seriously wounded man had been evacuated.
Photographed By USAF Photo
3. Russell Melvin Hunt
Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 29, 2016
4. AF Cross exhibit located at nearby Enlisted Heritage Hall.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 476 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 30, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
