The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Russell J. Stoewe, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 April 1968. Captain Stoewe distinguished himself during the conduct of combat operations in Thua Thien Province, Republic of Vietnam. The company was heavily engaged with a well-entrenched enemy battalion. Captain Stoewe was well to the front directing the movement of his elements. Throughout the battle he personally directed the retaliatory fire of his men while repeatedly exposing him to the intense hostile small arms, rocket propelled grenade, and machine gun fire. On several occasions he personally directed the withdrawal of his platoons in contact and coordinated for close air support. Only when he was certain the company had withdrawn completely would he withdraw, thus allowing close air support aircraft to unload their ordnance. Several times Captain Stoewe formed rescue teams to evacuate the wounded under hostile fire while he himself returned fire, covering the extraction of the wounded and dead. His courage and outstanding leadership contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. Captain Stoewe’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.