Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    319th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    80th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 14, 1944

    Headquarters, THIRD U.S. Army, General Orders No. 89 (November 12, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) James E. Russell (ASN: 0-2048470), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Headquarters, 3d Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division. On 14 September 1944, the battalion was attacking a heavily fortified enemy position in the Foret De L’Avant-Garde near Pompey, France. In order to administer aid and to evacuate casualties, Lieutenant Russell, as medical administrative officer of the Battalion Aid Station, established a forward evacuation point in the vicinity of the Company I command post and went forward to direct litter bearers. As the attack progressed, enemy fire increased in intensity, and there were more casualties than could be handled by the medical aid men. Displaying courage and disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Russell repeatedly advanced into the machine gunned and heavily shelled area alone and carried back wounded men. He saved many lives and his actions were an inspiration to all who witnessed them. Lieutenant Russell was killed by machine gun fire while administering first aid to a wounded man on the battlefield.