Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lieutenant (junior grade)

Unit:

Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15), U.S.S. Essex (CV-9) (Fighting Squadron 15 (VF-15), U.S.S. Essex (CV-9))

Awarded on:

May 1945

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron FIFTEEN (VF-15, attached to the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in action against enemy Japanese surface forces over the Sibuyan Sea during the Battle for Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Islands on 24 October 1944. With the support of his Section Leader, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rushing attacked a formation of 40 enemy fighter planes and shot down six of the enemy planes in flames, probably destroying two others. His actions effectively broke up the enemy formation and prevented an attack upon our surface forces. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Rushing's outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 338 (May 1945).