The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Charles Russell Stimpson (NSN: 0-121639), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron ELEVEN (VF-11), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Philippine Islands Area, on 14 October 1944. Instantly taking over the lead of an eight-plane combat patrol when his flight leader’s radio became inoperable, Lieutenant Stimpson boldly intercepted and attacked a large formation of enemy aircraft headed for our surface forces. Courageously and skillfully pressing home his attacks, he shot down five and possibly seven of the fourteen enemy planes destroyed in the engagement and aided in dispersing the remainder. His skillful airmanship, initiative and exceptional courage reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Stimpson and the United States Naval Service.