The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Russell J. Euggino (MCSN: 841149), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Leader of a Machine Gun Section, in a platoon of Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 4 May 1945. When his assaulting rifle platoon suffered severe casualties and was forced to withdraw to a more favorable position, Corporal Euggino quickly realized the necessity for providing a smoke screen to facilitate evacuation and, when the wind and proximity of friendly troops made the use of artillery and mortar smoke impossible, voluntarily left his covered position and made a valiant attempt to cover the withdrawal by throwing smoke grenades. Fearlessly braving a devastating barrage of machine-gun, mortar and sniper fire when his supply was exhausted, he ran up and down the line, securing more grenades from the wounded men and covering their evacuation until he himself was fatally struck down by the enemy. By his daring initiative, outstanding fortitude and grave concern for the safety of others, corporal Euggino contributed to the saving of many lives, his selfless conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.