Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Thomas Nathan Russell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Blanc Mont Ridge, France, 4 October 1918. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Russell gave proof of remarkable courage and disregard for personal safety by remaining at his post for three days under heavy shell fire rendering first aid to the wounded, even when his dressing station was hit by a large shell.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 88 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Thomas Nathan Russell, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Russell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. Although wounded, he exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and shell fire to dress the wounds of five comrades and assisted in evacuting them. He also protested against leaving wounded members of his company until after the arrival of another man to replace him.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    June 1918

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 44 (1918)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Thomas Nathan Russell, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Russell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action near Chateau-Thierry, France, in June 1918. After being wounded he exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and artillery fire to dress the wounds of five comrades and assisted in evacuating them, displaying remarkable coolness, personal bravery, and self-sacrifice. He also protested against leaving wounded members of the 51st Company until another man had arrived to take his place.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    World War I

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Thomas Nathan Russell, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND DIVISION A.E.F., for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Russell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces. During the advance on Blanc Mont Ridge, France, under terrific shell fire and very intense machine-gun fire, he worked with utter disregard of personal safety and danger. His unceassing efforts were undoubtedly the cause of saving many lives, although in constant danger of losing his own, which did not seem to concern him in the least. His greatest desire was to see the treatment of the wounded.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 7, 1918

    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Order No. 4 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Thomas Nathan Russell, United States Navy, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Russell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Corpsman attached to Company G, Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France, 7 October 1918, in giving aid to the wounded under heavy enemy fire.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4,1918

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Thomas Nathan Russell, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism while serving as a Corpsman with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at the front in the Argonne operations. Although wounded, Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Russell exposed himself to heavy machine-gun and shell fire to dress the wounds of five comrades, and assisted in evacuating them. He also protested against leaving wounded members of his company until after the arrival of another man to replace him.