The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Watertender First Class Buell F. Russell, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving aboard the U.S.S. McCAWLEY (APA-4), on 30 June 1943. During an engagement with Japanese aircraft in the Solomon Islands, Fireman First Class Russell and his comrades formed voluntary fire- and damage-control parties and entered the flooded compartments below shored bulkheads, released pressure on the boilers, and freed a jammed rudder. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.