The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Russell R. Barrett, Jr. (NSN: 0-83420), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the period 10 January to 21 January 1942. (Strike Flight Award)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Russell R. Barrett, Jr. (NSN: 0-83420), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 5 April 1945, as the pilot of a Seaplane engaged in a rescue mission near the island of Miyako, Ryukyus. After sighting four survivors in an area dangerously close to enemy held territory, he with outstanding airmanship and courage, landed his plane in the face of mountainous seas and effected the rescue of three survivors on two life rafts. He then taxied his plane through the rough water and succeeded in rescuing a fourth survivor who was in a life jacket. This heroic mission, performed in the face of great personal risk, contributed materially to the saving of the lives of four men. His leadership, courage, and skill were outstanding and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.