The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Russell D. L. Wirth, Jr. (MCSN: 0-51902), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Commander of Company H, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1952. Although painfully wounded by enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire while leading a reinforced squad in a night raid against an enemy-held hill, First Lieutenant Wirth continued to advance, shouting words of encouragement to his men and delivering effective fire on the hostile troops closing in on both flanks of the patrol. Maintaining close control over his men, he directed the withdrawal of the unit, instructing his men to move back to higher ground while he endeavored to carry a critically wounded Marine to safety. With a great display of stamina, he simultaneously covered the withdrawal and carried the casualty until joined by two other members of the patrol who continued the evacuation. Despite the intense pain of his wounds, he refused medical treatment until assured of the safe return of his men to the main line of resistance. By his outstanding courage, marked fortitude and unyielding devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Wirth served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.