The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Frank Russell West (NSN: 0-112170), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 25 October 1944. Fearlessly leading his three-plane section in over a formidable enemy task force, Lieutenant West pressed home his attack in the face of accurate and intense anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit upon a Japanese battleship of the ISE class. By his superb airmanship, exceptional courage and steadfast devotion to duty through a perilous assignment, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, West contributed materially to the sinking of this valuable enemy fighting unit and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Frank Russell West (NSN: 0-112170), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron FIFTEEN (VB-15), attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against the enemy on 13 November 1944, while deployed over Manila in the Philippine Islands. Leading a section of planes in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant West pressed home his attack and scored a direct and damaging hit on an enemy light cruiser. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.