The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Russell Berton Carson (ASN: 51838970), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 8 July 1969. Specialist Carson distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in the 3d Platoon of Company A, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during a combat operation in Tien Phouc Province, Republic of Vietnam. The 3d Platoon, moving down a trail through dense underbrush, was ambushed by a large North Vietnamese force. Inflicting heavy casualties, the enemy continued to fire mortars, rocket propelled grenades, and automatic weapons on the besieged platoon. Moving with skill and determination, Specialist Carson advanced into the midst of the engaged area and deployed his men so as to bring maximum fire power on the enemy. Seeing a North Vietnamese soldier moving on a fellow soldier, Specialist Carson instinctively threw himself in the path of the enemy fire. Taking the full impact of fire, he shielded his teammate, but in doing so he was mortally wounded. Specialist Carson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.