By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), Private Willie L. Russell (ASN: 1981586), United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Private Russell distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with Company G, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action on 19 October 1918, near Mazinghein, France, in advancing ahead with two other soldiers and silencing the fire of the most dangerous enemy machine gun position.