Ross Tompkins Eilliott, Jr., United States Navy: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Ensign Ross Tompkins Elliott, Jr., United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession while serving as Assistant Gunnery and Machine-Gun Officer on board the Destroyer U.S.S. EMMONS (DD-457), during operations against enemy Japanese forces off Okinawa Shima in the Ryukyu Chain, on 6 April 1945. Stationed on the flying bridge, Ensign Elliott ably directed the steady fire of his weapons against an overwhelming number of Japanese kamikaze planes attempting to crash dive the deck of his ship, maintaining close control of his batteries and shooting down two of the six enemy aircraft destroyed by the EMMONS’ guns during a furiously waged battle which persisted for more than two and one half hours. Suddenly aware that one of the attacking planes could not be deflected and would strike the EMMONS in the vicinity of the bridge, he ordered all personnel on the flying bridge to lie close together on the deck against the barbette, then hurled himself across the prone men as the plane crashed the ship from the port side. Fatally wounded by the enemy’s strafing bullets as a result of this heroic act, Ensign Elliott had succeeded in protecting his men from serious injury and probable death, all personnel surviving without injuries despite violent explosions and fires which followed the crash. Vigilant and determined in the performance of duty, Ensign Elliott fought boldly and brilliantly in defense of his gallant ship and his indomitable fortitude and valiant spirit of self-sacrifice on behalf of his crewmen sustained and enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

Eilliott ‘s membership in the Legion of Valor was sponsored by his nephew, Gerry Culver, Jr. from Culpeper, VA.