Navy Federal Credit Union

Michael Russillo graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1927. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain [then Commander]

    Division:

    U.S.S. Muskallunge (SS-262)

    Action Date:

    August 1 – September 23, 1944

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 03506

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then Commander] Michael Peter Russillo (NSN: 0-61521), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. MUSKALLUNGE (SS-262), during the FOURTH War Patrol of that Submarine in the waters of the South China Sea, off Cape Varella, and off the Northwest Coast of Borneo, from 1 August to 23 September 1944. Conducting two aggressive daylight attacks upon the enemy, Captain Russillo displayed expert seamanship in maneuvering his ship into a striking position and directed the attack with exceptional skill, contributing greatly to his ship’s success in sinking an 800-ton Japanese Destroyer of the WAKATAKE Class and seriously damaging a large transport of 10,000 tons and a large freighter of 7,500 tons. In attacking the vessels he readily accepted the hazard of maneuvering his submarine in relatively shallow water of four fathoms and, during nine hours of subsequent counterattack by enemy escort vessels and planes, utilized effective evasive tactics to avoid damage from depth charges and to return to port without serious damage to ship or injury to crew. His professional ability, cool courage under fire and outstanding devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Captain Russillo, his ship’s company and the United States Naval Service.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Europe)

    Action Date:

    1942

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 1947

    Lieutenant Michael Peter Russillo (NSN: 0-61521), United States Navy, was captured in the European Theater of Operations and was held by Germany as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    November 18, 1952 – February 4, 1953

    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 904 (May 12, 1953)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain Michael Peter Russillo (NSN: 0-61521), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander East Coast Blockade and Escort Force during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Korean Theater from 18 November to 10 December 1952 and from 7 January to 4 February 1953. Exercising outstanding judgment and professional competence throughout these periods, Captain Russillo ably maneuvered the forces at his disposal in conducting the blockade of the east coast of Korea and in continuing the siege of Wonsan, brilliantly furthering the assigned tasks of his unit and keeping the enemy on the defensive. Under his aggressive leadership, the forces at his command successfully attacked the enemy’s rail and road supply lines, provided gunfire support for the Republic of Korea FIRST Corps and maintained an effective blockade of the east coast of Korea. Constantly under enemy gunfire or the threat of enemy gunfire throughout these periods, he set an inspiring example of professional fortitude and leadership. By his exceptional professional skill, resourcefulness and steadfast devotion to duty, Captain Russillo contributed materially to the success of friendly forces in Korea and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Russillo is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)