The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Russell James Caswell (MCSN: 0-75626), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 May 1967, during Operation UNION, Captain Caswell led his company on a mission in support of Marine units which were pinned down by heavy fire from an estimated company of North Vietnamese entrenched on Hill 110 in the vicinity of Que Son. After air strikes were delivered on the enemy positions, he led his men up the hill in an attempt to outflank the enemy. As the leading elements of the company reached the crest of the hill and began moving down the other side, the Marines came under intense automatic weapons, recoilless rifle and mortar fire from what later proved to be an estimated North Vietnamese Army battalion. Immediately deploying his men in positions to provide maximum cover, Captain Caswell repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to coordinate artillery and air strikes against the numerically superior enemy. With complete disregard for his own safety, he remained exposed to hostile fire throughout the afternoon to effectively direct accurate fire against the enemy positions, organize the evacuation of the wounded and supervise the resupply of water and ammunition. As a result of his calm courage and exceptional fighting spirit, the North Vietnamese were forced to withdraw from their positions leaving behind 200 casualties. His outstanding professional skill and steadfast determination inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in inflicting heavy losses on the enemy while his unit sustained minimal casualties. By his resolute courage, exemplary leadership and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Caswell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.