The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Chief Master Sergeant Russell William Richmond, United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force at Tuy Hoa Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 29 July 1968. On that date, Sergeant Richmond disregarded the potential of personal injury to assure the safety of his men and towed several aircraft out of danger in the midst of a mortar attack. Demonstrating extraordinary courage, he left his shelter and exposed himself to exploding ordnance and hostile fire to prevent damage and destruction to valuable Air Force aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Richmond has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.