The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Russell J. Borgomainerio (MCSN: 308403), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 27 November 1950. Observing the enemy penetrating his left flank during a prolonged assault by a strong hostile force, Staff Sergeant Borgomainerio fearlessly exposed himself to direct enemy fire and, expertly deploying units at his command, consolidated the gap in the line. Moving among his platoon’s positions, he directed the accurate and effective fire of his men, pointing out targets of opportunity and shouting words of encouragement as the battle continued. When assistance arrived, he skillfully employed his men to greater advantage, thereby successfully repelling all attempts by the enemy to break through his defense. By his superb leadership, valiant fighting spirit and courageous devotion to duty in the face of heavy odds, Staff Sergeant Borgomainerio served as an inspiration to all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Russell J. Borgomainerio (MCSN: 308403), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rifle Platoon Commander of Company E, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 6 December 1950. Assigned the mission of defending positions along a railroad embankment, Staff Sergeant Borgomainerio skillfully positioned his men, aware that a dry stream bed passing under a trestle would be the most likely avenue of enemy approach. When the enemy attacked along that route and succeeded in overrunning a portion of the position and capturing a machine gun, he fearlessly exposed himself to devastating hostile automatic weapons and small arms fire to lead part of his platoon in a counterattack, driving the enemy from the position and recapturing the vital weapon. Quickly reorganizing the defense, he remained exposed to the heavy fire throughout the prolonged attack to move among his men, shouting words of encouragement and directing their fires until the opposition was forced to withdraw with heavy casualties. By his inspiring leadership, courageous initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Borgomainerio contributed materially to the successful defense of the strategic ground and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.