Russel W. Engel
Distinguished Service Cross
U.S. Air Force
World War II
European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 96 (1943)
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Russel W. Engel, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 September 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Engel on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.