The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) George H. Russell (ASN: 0-59499), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 September 1950, near Changnyong, Korea. At 1430 hours on 2 September 1950, Major Russell was leading elements of the 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, to an approach on a high pass approximately four miles west of Changnyong, Korea. As the leading elements of his force came within 500 yards of the approach, they were met with heavy machine gun and small arms fire, which halted their advance completely. He deployed his men to move forward again, when they were met with machine gun fire from the hills 400 yards to the north and machine gun and rifle fire from the low hills and village 350 yards to the south. Major Russell being among the forward troops, quickly noted that he was in a three-sided trap, and planned an orderly withdrawal to a position on high ground 500 yards to the east. Under heavy fire from every type of enemy weapon, he personally directed the placing of weapons to cover the withdrawal and movement of his force back to the new position. Several times, while placing elements on the new position, he came under close-in small arms fire from the enemy, who had taken concealment in houses along the route of movement. His quick thinking and leadership on this occasion were the deciding factors in saving the major portion of his unit. Major Russell’s courage and gallantry in the face of fierce and direct enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Infantry) George H. Russell (ASN: 0-59499), United States Army, for gallantry in action as Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 March 1951, in the vicinity of Yangjimal, Korea. After the successful seizure of Hill 547, the 1st Battalion was ordered to continue the attack to the north through heavy snow and over extremely difficult terrain. During this attack six heavily fortified enemy positions were seized and the battalion advanced over 13,000 yards over treacherous and mountainous terrain. During this critical period Major Russell remained continuously with the forward elements. With complete disregard for his own safety, he frequently exposed himself to withering enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire in order to direct operations of the battalion. Displaying total indifference to the murderous enemy fire, he continuously moved about the unit positions to observe the enemy emplacement. During this period Major Russell’s unit inflicted 319 casualties upon the enemy while suffering only four. The gallant conduct and outstanding leadership displayed by Major Russell reflect great credit upon himself and the military service .