The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Russell E. Minehart (MCSN: 1522495), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a member of Company B, First Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. On 12 July 1965, Sergeant Minehart’s squad was taken under intense enemy small arms fire. Although seriously wounded in the arm and chest by the initial volley, Sergeant Minehart continued to direct his squad, insuring that his men took cover and returned accurate fire. After successfully suppressing the enemy fire, he continued to direct his squad until evacuated by helicopter. During this period he repeatedly minimized the seriousness of his wounds. When evacuated he refused assistance in entering the helicopter and insisted upon carrying his own weapon. By his composure and professionalism, under fire and while wounded, he served as an inspirational example to the men of his squad and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.