The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Russell W. Hobbs, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 303d Infantry Regiment, 97th Infantry Division, in connection with military operations against the enemy. On 14 April 1945, near Manfort, Germany, when Lieutenant Hobbs was advancing with his platoon against enemy positions, the platoon came under intense artillery and small arms fire which temporarily checked the advance. Observing that one of his BAR men had been killed, Lieutenant Hobbs moved through enemy fire and secured the weapon which he again placed in action. At that time Lieutenant Hobbs was wounded but refused evacuation and continued his duties as a platoon leader. Only after his platoon was reorganized and the objective taken, and all wounded men given medical care, did Lieutenant Hobbs permit himself to be evacuated. His gallant conduct on this occasion reflects high credit upon himself and the Armed Forces.