Frank Russell West

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Frank Russell West, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against the enemy on 13 November 1944, while deployed over Manila in the Philippine Islands. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Frank Russell West, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly pressing home a determined attack in the face of extremely intense and accurate antiaircraft fire from the formidable enemy disposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, West succeeded in scoring a direct hit upon a Japanese battleship of the ISE class. By his superb airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty through a perilous assignment, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, West contributed materially to the sinking of this valuable enemy fighting unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945)