The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Russell J. Garnaus, United States Navy, for heroic conduct when the U.S.S. POLLUX was stranded on a hazardous and rocky shore on 18 February 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Garnaus proceeded in a motor whaleboat through heavy seas and freezing temperatures and secured a line from the stranded vessel to shore. This enabled ten men still aboard to reach safety. Later he rescued two members of the whaleboat crew and scaled an icy cliff and walked three miles in sub-zero weather to summon assistance.