The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Russell E. Nall (MCSN: 0-9169), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Headquarters and Service Battery, Third Defense Battalion, Fleet Marine force, in action against enemy Japanese forces at Tulagi, Solomon Islands, on 10 August 1942. When he heard the cry of a marine some distance away, Second Lieutenant Nall, with courageous disregard for his own safety, unhesitatingly fought his way against withering machine-gun fire to locate the wounded man. By tenacious determination, he endured the dangerous and tiring struggle through the darkness to carry the marine to the battalion aid station thereby saving his life. While returning to his station after effecting this heroic rescue, Second Lieutenant Nall was hit and mortally wounded by the enemy. His valiant spirit of self-sacrifice was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.