George Wilson Hunt

Command Sergeant Major George Wilson Hunt was born in Shawnee, OK, on 20 December 1938, and joined the U.S. Army in 1958. After his enlistment ended in 1960, he remained in the Army Reserve where he qualified for the 12th Special Forces (SF) Group in 1963.

In May 1967, Hunt volunteered for active duty in Vietnam, and by November he arrived at Cao Lanh, an SF camp on the Mekong River. During the period 5-7 February 1968 he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” Device for his actions in defense of the SF camp of 60 defenders against an attacking force of 600 communist soldiers. On 20 February, having volunteered to secure ammunition resupply, Hunt drove through 7 miles of enemy-controlled roads, returning safely with ten bullet holes in his vehicle. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for heroism.

In January 1968, he volunteered to be reassigned to Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG), a top-secret SF unit. He was transferred to FOB-2, the Central Highlands SOG base at Kontum. On 25 September, Hunt distinguished himself on a long-range reconnaissance patrol deep in enemy-controlled territory to capture a prisoner. As the enemy officer was being guarded, an eight-man enemy patrol appeared on the trail. Without hesitation Hunt fearlessly exposed his position to distract the patrol from the prisoner, allowing the enemy patrol to be eliminated. Moments later, a larger patrol arrived, which was also distracted by Hunt and routed. For gallantry in action, Hunt was awarded the Silver Star Medal.

Hunt returned to Tulsa in December 1968 and resumed his career with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, later retiring in Oklahoma City. On 4 April 2001, the secrets of MACV-SOG began to be released and those who served therein were recognized for their “Extraordinary Heroism in Military Operations against an Armed Enemy” and were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. This award is equivalent to the Distinguished Service Cross.