The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Russell Amussen (NSN: 0-251003), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight, Strike/Flight award, for the period 20 July 1944 to 26 July 1944. On 20 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed an enemy troop area on Guam. On 21 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed gun positions on Guam. On 22 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed enemy troop positions at Agana, Guam. On 26 July 1944 he dive bombed and strafed enemy positions on the Palau Islands.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John Russell Amussen (NSN: 0-251003), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a carrier-based scout bomber plane on 4 July 1944. While conducting a long range search in the vicinity of the Bonin Islands, he located three enemy destroyers. After reporting their position to his ship, he conducted a low dive bombing attack on one of the enemy warships, damaging it with his bombs. This attack was carried out in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and with the support of only one escorting fighter. His courage and disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.