The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Major Joseph J. Russo, United States Marine Corps, for heroism above and beyond the call of duty on 5 June 2005, while responding to a single-vehicle accident, after witnessing the vehicle cross the center line and crash into a tree on Old Kunia Road. At great risk to himself, Major Russo calmly and unhesitatingly assisted the severely wounded driver. Although the vehicle burst into flames and was smoking heavily while still in gear and shifting perilously on the hillside, he sprinted to the vehicle, entered the driver’s side through the smoke, and pulled the driver to safety. Major Russo’s selfless act is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division (Light), the United States Army, the Marine Forces Pacific, and the United States Marine Corps.