The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Richard Winslow Russell (NSN: 0-251024), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane in Torpedo Squadron ELEVEN (VT-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), assigned to attack enemy surface forces in the vicinity of the Philippine Islands, during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. In the face of intense, accurate anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Russell pressed home his attack and scored two direct hits on an enemy heavy 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.