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”.)

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”.)