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 Andrew Russell (ASN: 35657469), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 145th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. When his platoon received heavy enemy fire while attacking up a steep ridge at Mount Pacawagan on 24 April 1945, Private Russell, a platoon runner, courageously rushed from his concealed position in an attempt to rescue a platoon member who had been struck by the initial burst of fire and lay wounded on the top of a small open knoll. The alert enemy observed the movement and directed a heavy volume of fire in his direction, mortally wounding him. Private Russell’s brave action in attempting to save a wounded comrade was in the finest traditions of military service.