The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Aviation Radioman Second Class Russell Anton Evinrude, United States Navy, for heroic conduct in rescuing survivors of the U.S.S. Mississinewa (AO-59), after that vessel was torpedoed at Ulithi Atoll on 20 November 1944. Participating in an anti-submarine patrol as radioman in a seaplane, Aviation Radioman Second Class Evinrude rendered invaluable assistance to his pilot in landing in the water, in taxiing to within twenty feet of the burning ship and in throwing a buoyed line to the survivors. Then crawling out on the wing, he assisted in turning the plane to contribute to the rescue of two groups of survivors. Aviation Radioman Second Class Evinrude’s courage and intrepidity were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.