The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Russell E. Mitchell (ASN: 37623759), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 80th Infantry Division in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 22 December 1944 in Luxembourg. On that date, Private First Class Mitchell, machine gun section leader, participated in a rifle company assault designated to seize and hold a strongly fortified enemy village. Prior to entry into the town, the company was subjected to a heavy concentration of machine gun fire originating from enemy positions on a hill to the left flank of the company. After directing the crew of a machine gun to concentrated continuous fire on the enemy until the assaulting platoon could consolidate their positions, the machine gunners firing the weapon were both wounded. With utter disregard for his own safety Private First Class Mitchell advanced into the raking enemy fire to reach the gun and effectively fire it to rout the enemy. His bravery, determination, and sincere 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.