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 A. Atwood (ASN: US-510000963), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 19 May 1951 in the vicinity of Pungchon-ni, Korea. Company L was under attack, and at about 1400 hours the enemy pressure forced the crew of a 57-mm. recoilless rifle to withdraw. Private Atwood, although alone and not a member of the crew, remained in the vicinity and fiercely fought the enemy, killing three of them with rifle fire and hand grenades, and then held the position against the continued enemy attack until reinforcements arrived. His tenacious solitary stand in the face of great odds and with complete disregard for his own safety materially aided in restoring the situation. The gallantry demonstrated by Private Atwood reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.