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 Donald E. Russ (ASN: 38183048), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 743d Tank Battalion (Separate), attached to the 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 7 October 1944, in Germany. Sergeant Russ was commanding a tank giving support to an infantry battalion when the sector was subjected to an intense enemy counterattack of several tanks with supporting hostile infantrymen. Within a few minutes, the enemy had overrun the outer defenses and when a second line of defense was organized, Sergeant Russ placed his tank in a particularly vulnerable position. Ignoring the danger to himself, Sergeant Russ remained in position and poured fire into the advancing enemy. Later in the battle, three enemy tanks attacked him from the flank, Sergeant Russ knocked out one of these tanks and his effective fire was a contributing factor in the withdrawal of the others. The outstanding bravery and tenacity of purpose exhibited by Sergeant Russ during this action reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Armed Forces.