The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Russel Merlin Odberg (ASN: RA-16329401), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 23 April 1951, Company C, 1st Battalion, with the mission of seizing the village of Ana Hyon, Korea, and the high ridges beyond the town, had advanced through the village and arrived at the ridges when fanatically attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. In the face of the savage assault, Private Odberg fearlessly stood erect firing his weapon into the ranks of the advancing foe. Observing this, the enemy hurled hand grenades at his position only to have Private Odberg seize the lethal missiles and fling them back where they exploded with ironic effectiveness. During the heated engagement, he personally killed seven hostile soldiers and wounded eleven others before falling mortally wounded under the intense enemy fire sweeping the area. The superb courage and outstanding gallantry displayed by Private Odberg reflects the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.