The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Russell Hodge (ASN: 35637001), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 19 December 1944, in Belgium. Private First Class Hodge assumed the position of the machine gunner when the gunner became a casualty. When enemy tank fire rendered his position untenable, he dashed with his gun behind a wall where he poured devastating fire into the attacking enemy infantry. When his ammunition was exhausted, he crawled across an exposed road and extricated ammunition which had been buried by enemy blasts. He returned to his gun and continued firing his weapon to cover the withdrawal of his comrades to alternate positions. Private First Class Hodge’s determined stand against overwhelming enemy strength was an inspiration to his comrades and reflects great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.