[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15970]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT RICHARD B. HUNTER ON RECEIVING THE AIR FORCE 
                                 CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MATT GAETZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 16, 2017

  Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Staff 
Sergeant Richard B. Hunter upon being awarded the Air Force Cross, the 
second highest military decoration that may be awarded to a member of 
the United States Air Force.
  While deployed as a combat controller in November 2016, Staff 
Sergeant Hunter heroically and without regard for his personal safety, 
maximized effects on the battlefield by integrating air assets, 
employing precision fires, and protecting the wounded with his own 
body, saving the lives of his teammates.
  As friendly forces entered the village, they were ambushed by heavy 
machine gun fire from insurgents. Staff Sergeant Hunter immediately 
identified the enemy locations and directed multiple ``danger-close'' 
strikes so close the team was blasted by dirt.
  While under enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Hunter shielded the wounded 
with his body and provided suppressing fire with his rifle. 
Simultaneously, he coordinated close air support missions, deconflicted 
airspace, and maximized fire support from the overhead gunships.
  While attempting to maneuver out of the kill zone, Staff Sergeant 
Hunter continued to accurately direct ``danger-close'' engagements on 
the massing enemy forces. Due to the smoke being so thick the team 
couldn't see, Sergeant Hunter used the overhead aircraft to direct them 
through the village.
  At great risk to his life, Staff Sergeant Hunter acted to protect and 
recover his wounded teammates. While under heavy fire, he was able to 
direct air strikes via a radio in one hand, and use the other to drag 
the wounded to safety.
  Staff Sergeant Hunter controlled 31 ``danger-close'' missions 
resulting in an estimated 27 enemies eliminated and 3 vehicles 
destroyed, with the closest precision strike 9 feet away.
  The courage shown by this dedicated Special Tactics Combat Controller 
is a true testament of his character. Staff Sergeant Hunter has 
displayed selfless commitment to service and sacrifice.
  The exceptional skill that Staff Sergeant Hunter demonstrated 
resulted in 57 total lives saved. Through his extraordinary heroism, 
superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Staff 
Sergeant Hunter reflected the highest credit upon himself and the 
United States Air Force.
  The entire Northwest Florida community is immensely proud of our 
District's tradition of military service and support for all those who 
bravely serve our Nation.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, it is a true honor to 
recognize Staff Sergeant Richard B. Hunter upon this most notable 
distinction.
  He is truly a remarkable man, and I thank him for his selfless 
service to his country.

                          ____________________