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 Sergeant Russell Keith Widener, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Widener distinguished himself by valorous actions on 13 November 1969 as a mortar section leader of Company B, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 61st Infantry Regiment, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), during the defense of a night perimeter. A numerically superior force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars engaged the Company’s perimeter with a devastating barrage of mortar, rocket-propelled grenade, and small arms fire. Sergeant Widener, with complete disregard for his own safety, fearlessly moved from position to position providing encouragement and leadership, administered first aid to more than fifteen seriously injured comrades, and personally eliminated an aggressor about to throw a grenade into the position where he was treating a casualty. His knowledge of first aid saved many lives and was largely responsible for conserving the unit’s fighting strength. Sergeant Widener’s gallantry and selflessness were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.