The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel Russell G. Ayers, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism and meritorious devotion to duty during the assault against Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands. Colonel Ayers, as Commanding Officer of the 106th Infantry Regiment, Reinforced, attached to a tactical group of the FIFTH Amphibious Corps, on 19 April 1944, led the assault against the island of Eniwetok, which, in spite of determined enemy resistance, resulted in the reduction and capture of that island. He, by his extraordinary heroism under fire, his constant disregard for his own safety, and his leadership set a distinguished example to his officers and men and contributed materially to the capture of Eniwetok Atoll. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.