The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Russell Lewis Hallauer (NSN: 0-731604/1310), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict against the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam on 26 May 1970. While serving as the Fire Team Leader of Detachment ONE, attached to and serving with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron THREE, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hallauer was called to the aid of Dam Doi District Headquarters. The outpost was under a well-coordinated rocket, mortar, and ground attack by an estimated North Vietnamese battalion and was on the verge of being overrun. Despite flying mortar and artillery rounds, he directed his fire team over the outpost for over an hour and a half as he led repeated attacks on enemy troop and mortar positions. When the enemy broke into the outpost, he provided extremely close fire support in the bunker-to-bunker fighting, forcing the enemy to retreat. He quickly and efficiently briefed and coordinated all incoming air assets, directing them on the enemy concentrations as he pointed out the friendly positions. Due to Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hallauer’s quick reaction, fast planning and excellent coordination of incoming air assets under an extremely fluid combat situation, the enemy mortar barrage was slowed and two massive ground attacks were repulsed. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Hallauer’s devotion to duty, courage under fire, exemplary professionalism and outstanding leadership were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.