The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Russell W. Redfern (ASN: 16176989), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the Medical Detachment, *** Infantry Regiment, 88th Infantry Division. On the night of 18 July 1944, Company I was the leading unit in a battalion column which was moving north from the vicinity of *****, Italy. Upon reaching a bend in the trail, an officer at the head of the column stepped on a mine. Technician Fifth Grade Redfern rushed forward into the mined area and administered first aid to the severely injured officer. The company moved off the trail through an open field where numerous casualties were received due to more mines. Realizing that the entire area was mined, the unit attempted to find a safe route out of the mine field, but movement in any direction caused more casualties. In addition, each explosion of a mine was quickly followed by a blast from enemy machine guns which were trained on the area. At this time Technician Fifth Grade Redfern, without hesitation and with great risk of his own life, moved throughout the mined area from man to man applying tourniquets and rendering first aid treatment. He then called for litters, but the squad’s leading man stepped on a mine and the remainder of the squad refused to move forward. Knowing that the unit would soon be near panic due to the situation, Technician Fifth Grade Redfern, with the aid of another man fearlessly took the litter and proceeded to make numerous trips in and out of the mined field and evacuated the injured. Due to his gallant and daring efforts the situation was brought to normal and many severely injured men were given instant treatment resulting in the saving of their lives. Because of Technician Fifth Grade Redfern’s outstanding valor, steadfast devotion to duty, and unflinching courage, he has become a glorious inspiration to both officers and men of his unit.