The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Russell J. DeBenedetto (ASN: 38487442), United States Army, for gallantry in action in northern France while serving with the Medical Detachment, 90th Infantry Division. On 14 June 1944 the infantry company to which Private First Class DeBenedetto was attached, moving forward in the attack, had outdistanced the units on its right and left. When the left flank platoon received heavy surprise machine-gun fire, three men fell wounded and although the enemy continued to spray the unit with withering fire, Private First Class DeBenedetto, without regard for his own safety, advanced over the field, administered first aid and remained with the wounded until relieved.