Russell J. Massaro

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Russell J. Massaro (350348), Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 19 September 1944. Realizing the urgency of continuing the advance when his platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire during an attack on a ridge north of the airfield, Private First Class Massaro voluntarily and without hesitation took up an automatic rifle and courageously made his way toward the concealed Japanese machine-gun nest. Upon locating the emplacement, he skillfully delivered intense, accurate fire into it, effectively silencing the enemy weapon and contributing materially to the destruction of its defenders before he was mortally wounded. Private First Class Massaro’s splendid initiative, indomitable fighting spirit and self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of grave peril were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 0407 (August 1, 1945)