The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Romolo N. Russo (MCSN: 0-19577), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Company Commander of Company F, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 17 September 1944. Although wounded himself when his Company Commander became a casualty, First Lieutenant Russo organized the remnants of the company and led a determined assault against stubborn enemy resistance. Wounded again during the furious action, he rallied his strength and led an attack on two enemy emplacements, annihilating fifteen Japanese before he was wounded a third time and ordered to the rear. His courage, leadership and devotion to duty in the face of strong opposition reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Russo and the United States Naval Service.