The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) James L. Russell (ASN: 0-330080), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the *** Field Artillery Group, XII Corps, in action against an armed enemy on 24 November and 1 December 1944, in France. While persisting in obtaining shell reports in the vicinity of Falquement, France, on 24 November 1944 while under continuous shelling in an open field, Major Russell distinguished himself by exposing himself to very heavy enemy shelling in order to obtain shell reports. On 1 December Major Russell again distinguished himself by crawling fifteen yards to a crater and refused to seek shelter when enemy artillery shells were falling all around him. He remained in the field until he had gotten the necessary information even though three more shells fell within twenty yards of him. The courage and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Major Russell reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.