The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Glenn Wayne Russell, Jr. (MCSN: 0-89444), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the morning of 22 January 1968, Captain Russell launched as Flight Leader of a section of two UH-34 helicopters diverted to attempt an emergency medical evacuation of numerous casualties from Khe Sanh Village. Displaying exceptional aeronautical ability, he repeatedly maneuvered his aircraft into a small landing zone surrounded by high trees and successfully evacuated thirty-eight wounded. Subjected to heavy enemy mortar fire during his last flight into the zone, he steadfastly remained on the ground until the last of the evacuees were aboard before departing the area. After returning to his primary mission to re-supply Marines on Hills 881 and 861, he received an urgent extraction request from a combined action unit that was in imminent danger of being overrun. Disregarding the hostile mortar and automatic weapons fire, he re-entered the hazardous zone at Khe Sanh Village to begin the retraction of the beleaguered Marines. Employing gunships to provide covering fire, he executed four landings in the perilous area and assisted in the extraction of twenty-six Marines. Returning to Hill 881 to continue his re-supply mission, he ignored the hostile mortar fire to deliver the vital supplies and evacuate the casualties sustained during the attack. When his wingman’s helicopter was severely damaged and crashed on the hill, he skillfully executed a semi-hover above the side of a steep slope and recovered the downed crew and two additional medical evacuees. By his courage, superior airmanship and selfless devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Russell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362)Division:
1st Marine Aircraft WingAction Date:
March 2, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Glenn Wayne Russell, Jr. (MCSN: 0-89444), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-TWO (HMM-362), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the night of 2 March 1968, Captain Russell was Section Leader of two UH-34 helicopters assigned to provide emergency medical evacuation support for friendly units operating near Phu Bai. Upon being directed to extract a Marine casualty from Hue Stadium, he unhesitatingly directed his wingman to remain at the airfield due to the possibility of coming under intense enemy fire. Proceeding toward the stadium at a low altitude, he skillfully maneuvered his helicopter through the cloud cover and around several obstacles to the designated area. Landing his aircraft in the obscured zone, he embarked two casualties and expeditiously delivered them to the medical facility at Phu Bai. His timely actions and superb airmanship inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the expeditious evacuation of two wounded Marines. Captain Russell’s courage, outstanding aeronautical ability and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.