Russell J. Bradley

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Russell J. Bradley, Aviation Radioman Third Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Radioman and Tail Gunner of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron EIGHT (VT-8), embarked from the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-8), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on 6 October 1942. On that date Aviation Radioman Third Class Bradley crashed at sea with the pilot and crew of his airplane; the pilot and air bomber being injured. Aviation Radioman Third Class Bradley volunteered to swim ashore and for 8 hours battled strong currents in shark-infested waters before reaching his destination. His outstanding courage and determination were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 317 (August 1943)