John B. Russell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John B. Russell, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron THIRTY-ONE (VT-31), embarked from the U.S.S. CABOT (CVL-28), in action against major units of the Japanese fleet west of the Marianas Islands during the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 20 June 1944. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Russell’s expert airmanship, daring combat tactics and unswerving devotion to duty were important factors in the inflicting of heavy damage on the enemy during this historic engagement, and his gallant fortitude throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval service.