The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Russell C. Pearson (ASN: 0-1312793), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, on 25 March 1944. When his patrol was ambushed by a numerically superior hostile force, First Lieutenant Pearson displayed exemplary leadership and superlative fighting spirit in tactically deploying his forces in such superior manner as to turn a potentially tragic ambush into a triumph for the American patrol. During the fire fight, he unhesitatingly went to the aid of a wounded soldier and through a hail of enemy bullets, dragged him to a covered position where first aid could be administered. First Lieutenant Pearson repeatedly exposed himself to check the progress of the fight and direct his patrol members. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Pearson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.