The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Russell Andrew Munsell (MCSN: 325250), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Tank Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 and 3 December 1950. Undaunted by adverse circumstances and the lack of proper tools and repair facilities, Staff Sergeant Munsell employed ingenious field expedients in skillfully repairing and placing in operating condition a heavy tank which had previously been abandoned. When the repaired tank was attached to an infantry battalion which had been ordered to assault through enemy-held territory as the advance guard of the Seventh Regiment, he unhesitatingly directed his vehicle to spearhead the column at the point where the enemy wound undoubtedly concentrate its heaviest fire. Despite the hazards of ice, snow, hostile road blocks and an incessant hail of enemy automatic weapons fire, he fought his tank over sixteen miles of precipitous mountain roads which, in many instances, barely permitted the passage of his heavy vehicle. Exposing himself to hostile fire, he guided his tank over perilous terrain to strike the well-entrenched and fiercely resisting enemy. His initiative, resourcefulness and indomitable courage were contributing factors in the ultimate destruction of the hostile forces blocking the road from Yudam-ni to Hagaru-ri, thereby reflecting great credit upon Staff Sergeant Munsell and the United States Naval Service.