The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Citation to Sergeant Russell S. Rankin (MCSN: 91263), United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with the 84th Company, Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces near Soissons, France, 19 July 1918. When his platoon commander had been sounded, Sergeant Rankin assumed command and by his courage and ability inspired the men to attack a strong party of the enemy who were holding up the advance. Rallying a group of men, he led them across an open field swept by heavy machine gun and artillery fire and succeeded in capturing the position.