Russell M. Mckelvey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Russell M. McKelvey, First Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 363d Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 17 September 1944, near Scarperia, Italy. On that date, First Sergeant McKelvey led a platoon up a ridge heavily fortified by five enemy pillboxes dug in behind barbed wire and mines. He continually exposed himself to murderous machine gun and sniper fire to keep his men moving. He then secured several “Molotov Cocktails” and proceeded alone through a hail of enemy fire to within ten yards of his objective. During this advance, a sniper’s bullet pierced his helmet while he was disarming a German mine. Unperturbed, he threw the “Cocktails” into the pillbox and captured the five German soldiers, then, led his platoon in knocking out the remaining enemy strongpoints. First Sergeant McKelvey’s intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.