The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Russell W. Hominger (ASN: 36837442), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 14 April 1945, in Germany. During a fierce enemy counterattack Sergeant Hominger and two comrades were captured. When a heavy concentration of artillery fell in the area, Sergeant Hominger led his comrades and succeeded in overpowering their captors. Leading his men forward toward friendly lines he joined another platoon moving forward. When heavy hostile tank fire separated the platoon, he succeeded in gathering together six men and after leading them past an enemy outpost he led them in capturing four enemy riflemen. Then covering the withdrawal of his men he himself reached a place of safety. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Hominger, 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.