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, Junior Grade Allard G. Russell, United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. While engaged in an aerial search over dangerous waters as a Pilot of Scouting Squadron THREE (VS-3), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Russell discovered four Japanese destroyers. Undaunted by aircraft accompanying the warships, he remained in a vulnerable position to shadow them for two hours. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Russell also took part in three night missions against eight enemy warships and succeeded in bringing his damaged plane back to his base.