Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

Distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operation against an armed enemy. On 14 September 1944, the battalion was attacking a heavily fortified enemy position in Forêt de l’ Avant-Garde near Pompey, France. In order to administer aid and to evacuate casualties, Lieutenant Russell, as medical administrative officer of the Battalion Aid Station, established a forward evacuation point in the vicinity of the Company I command post and went forward to direct litter bearers. As the attack progressed, enemy fire increased in intensity, and there were more casualties than could be handled by the medical aid men. Displaying courage and disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Russell repeatedly advanced into the machine gunned and heavily shelled area alone and carried back wounded men. He saved many lives and his actions were an inspiration to all who witnessed them. Lieutenant Russell was killed by machine gun fire while administering first aid to a wounded man on the battlefield.

Posthumously awarded.
Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 89 (1944).

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

2nd Lieutenant

Unit:

319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, U.S. Army