The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Russell Warren Engel, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Navigator of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a high altitude bombardment mission over Germany, 6 September 1943. During a long running battle with enemy fighter planes, Lieutenant Engel was severely wounded in the head and body by the explosion of a cannon shell which destroyed his right eye. After the co-pilot had been killed, Lieutenant Engel, in spite of the pain of his wounds, moved to the co-pilot’s seat and assisted the pilot until no longer able to do so. Lieutenant Engel’s heroism and bravery were an inspiration to his comrades and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.