The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Russell J. Thompson (ASN: 0-1031767), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Service Company, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 24 April 1951, it was reported that the beleaguered First Battalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment needed weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies in order to hold its position near Choksong, Korea, through the night. Despite below marginal visibility due to approaching darkness, smoke and hazardous mountain terrain, Lieutenant Thompson took off in an unarmed aircraft to drop the much needed supplies to the battalion. While making the first pass over the area to check the location of the battalion, intense enemy machine gun, artillery, and mortar fire was received by the aircraft. Heedless of the heavy fire, Lieutenant Thompson, with complete disregard for his safety, made three more passes at less than 50 feet to drop the supplies into the small area still in the possession of the Gloucestershires, each time receiving increasingly heavy enemy fire. The supplies enabled the battalion to hold its position through the night while inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The gallantry, courage, and professional skill, exhibited by Lieutenant Thompson reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

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 (Armor) Russell J. Thompson (ASN: 0-1031767), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 3d Infantry Division, United States Army On 5 December 1950, when the 1st Marine Division was completely isolated and surrounded by a strong enemy force in the vicinity of Kotori, Korea, Lieutenant Thompson unhesitatingly volunteered to assist in the evacuation of the wounded from that area. Piloting an unarmed liaison type aircraft, he flew four missions over mountainous terrain and fearlessly landed on an extremely short airstrip which was constantly subjected to heavy hostile small arms and mortar fire. As a result of his courageous actions, four critically wounded soldiers were evacuated to safety where they received timely medical attention. The exemplary gallantry and professional skill displayed by Lieutenant Thompson reflects great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.