The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Russell Stanley Berkey (NSN: 0-9670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as a Task Group Commander during the amphibious landings at Mindoro, Philippine Islands, in the period 12 – 17 December 1944. His cool courage and leadership in the face of repeated attacks by enemy aircraft were an inspiration to the officers and men of his command. The ships of his command aggressively repelled enemy air attacks. He contributed to the prompt and successful conclusion of the Mindoro campaign. His service and conduct at all times were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Berkey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
7th FleetAction Date:
September 26, 1944 – July 19, 1945
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 05885 (August 29, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Russell Stanley Berkey (NSN: 0-9670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Task Group TWENTY-FOUR and Commander Cruisers, SEVENTH Fleet. During the period 26 September 1944 to 19 July 1945, Rear Admiral Berkey planned and directed the bombardment and fire support for several invasions. He was directly responsible for the covering support of cruisers during the amphibious landings in the Philippines at Leyte, Mindoro, Lingayen, Subic, Bataan-Corregidor, Zamboango and Cebu; and in Barneo at Tarakan, Brunei Bay and Balikpapan. During operations for the reopening of Manila Bay, Rear Admiral Berkey ably directed the activities of his Task Group in neutralizing enemy strong points in the Bataan-Corregidor area, landing support to the amphibious occupation of Southern Bataan, and landings on Corregidor and providing protective cover for the minesweeping units engaged in the operations in that area. He contributed materially to the notable success achieved in the recapture of Corregidor and the reopening of Manila Bay. His sound judgment in the preparation of plans, his tact in coordinating the joint operations of Allied naval and military forces, and his professional skill in directing the cruisers under his command were major factors in the success of amphibious campaigns in the Southwest Pacific. His inspiring leadership and his outstanding performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
7th FleetAction Date:
February – July 1945
Department of the Army, General Orders No. 10 (January 30, 1948)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Rear Admiral Russell Stanley Berkey (NSN: 0-9670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility as Commander Cruisers, SEVENTH Fleet, from February to July 1945.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
December 6, 1943 – September 25, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 02621 (May 16, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Russell Stanley Berkey (NSN: 0-9670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Cruiser Division FIFTEEN in the Southwest Pacific Area from 6 December 1943 to 25 September 1944. Rear Admiral Berkey thoroughly trained officers and men assigned to his command. His foresighted planning and efficient maintenance of his force in a state of readiness enabled him to lead his ships in almost continuous operations against the enemy. He ably planned and directed the bombardment and fire support for the invasion of the Admiralty Islands on 29 February 1944. For a week afterward he bombarded the coast in support of our troops. By bombardment and fire support he neutralized the Japanese defenses for the occupation by our forces of Humboldt Bay and Tanahmerah Bay on 22 April 1944 and of Aitape on 23 April 1944. His planning and direction contributed greatly to the success of this important operation. Cruisers and destroyers under his command provided fire support for our landings at Wakde-Toem on 17 May 1944 and ten days later bombarded Biak in preparation for assault on that island. Following the Biak operation his force repelled day and night air attacks and drove off a group of enemy ships attempting to reinforce the enemy forces ashore. On 2 July 1944 he directed the bombardment of Noemfoor Island to assure the success of our landings. Rear Admiral Berkey ably advised and assisted in the planning and execution of the important amphibious assault on Morotai on 15 September 1944. During the entire period he planned and directed a great number of bombardments and anti-barge operations along the coast of New Guinea. Rear Admiral Berkey’s excellent planning, skillful direction and inspiring leadership in the performance of duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Berkey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralDivision:
Right Flank On Board the U.S.S. Phoenix (CL-46)Action Date:
October 24 – 25, 1944
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 13680 (December 7, 1944)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Rear Admiral Russell Stanley Berkey (NSN: 0-9670), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Right Flank Commander, Allied Support Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Surigao Strait during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on the night of 24 – 25 October 1944. On board the U.S.S. PHOENIX (CL-46), Rear Admiral Berkey led his ships against the enemy battle-line in a conspicuously heroic manner. By his courage and determination he gave encouragement to his force in a manner that caused his action to be largely instrumental in the success of a most difficult operation. This successful attack contributed in large measure to eliminating an imminent and dangerous threat to our transports and other ships in Leyte Gulf. Rear Admiral Berkey’s high professional skill, forceful leadership, and gallant devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Rear AdmiralAction Date:
April 26 – December 15, 1943
Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 33692 (July 10, 1945)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Rear Admiral Russell Stanley Berkey (NSN: 0-9670), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of a United States Cruiser in the Northern and Central Pacific Areas from 26 April to 15 December 1943. He maintained his ship in the highest state of efficiency at all times. His initiative and devotion to duty contributed materially to the success of many actions during this important period. His courage and professional skill were an inspiration to his officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Berkey is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)