The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry). [then Second Lieutenant] William E. Russell (ASN: 0-1291174), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, during the period from March through July 1943. During a withdrawal under extremely heavy enemy fire, a member of Lieutenant Russell’s platoon was wounded. After leading his men to a new position, Lieutenant Russell returned under this intense fire and succeeded in rescuing he wounded soldier. 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 Army.

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 (Infantry). [then Second Lieutenant] William E. Russell (ASN: 0-1291174), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa, during World War II. Lieutenant Russell crawled to a machine gun under heavy enemy artillery and small arms fire and assisted in its operation until a direct enemy hit demolished the weapon. Although painfully wounded in this action, he carried his severely injured gunner to a place of safety. 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 Army.