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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Roy Warrick Rushing, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. With the support of his Section Leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rushing attacked a formation of 40 enemy fighter planes and shot down six of the enemy planes in flames, probably destroying two others. His actions effectively broke up the enemy formation and prevented an attack upon our surface forces. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rushing’s outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Roy Warrick Rushing, United States Navy, was awarded a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Roy Warrick Rushing, United States Navy, was awarded a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area during World War II.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    September 13, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 362 (April 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Roy Warrick Rushing, United States Navy, was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), on 13 September 1944.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Essex (CV-9)

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1944
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 369 (November 1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Roy Warrick Rushing, United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15), embarked in U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), over an Island in the Bonin Group, on 15 June 1944.