The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Donald B. Russell, United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action as Pilot of an F-80 Shooting Star Reconnaissance jet airplane of the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, FIFTH Air Force, in action while participating in an aerial armed reconnaissance flight near Chochiwan, Korea, on 16 July 1950, when the flight sighted an enemy armored column. On the first pass at this column, intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire was encountered, and Lieutenant Russell’s aircraft was badly damaged. The left wing tip and the tip tank were completely shot off, the left aileron was one third gone, and the flaps were damaged. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lieutenant Russell continued to hold his position in the formation and pressed his attack to minimum altitude and range. Though his aircraft was very difficult to handle, Lieutenant Russell scored a direct hit with a rocket on one tank, blowing the turret completely off and setting the tank on fire. On subsequent passes he damaged another tank and destroyed several supporting vehicles. When Lieutenant Russell returned to his home base he was required to make a no flap landing after dark. His aircraft was to be damaged beyond repair. The outstanding courage and steadfast devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Russell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.