Seyman D. Ruchamkin

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Seyman D. Ruchamkin, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as First Lieutenant on board the Destroyer U.S.S. Cushing (DD-376), during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 – 13 November, 1942. After several hits amidships, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ruchamkin efficiently directed the fighting of fires and the efforts to control damage aboard the warship on which he served as First Lieutenant, while under vigorous bombardment by hostile naval units. Having led his party to an area below decks to extinguish flames which were raging there, he never returned. The conduct of Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ruchamkin throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)