The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Russell Edgar Curry (NSN: 0-104401), 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 THREE (VB-3), attached to the U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), in action against an enemy Japanese naval Task Force in the Solomon Islands Area, on 24 August 1942. Delivering a vigorous and determined attack against a Japanese aircraft carrier, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Curry, by his aggressive fire, contributed materially to the probable destruction of that vessel in spite of intense anti-aircraft opposition. His courage in combat and his conscientious devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.