Gregory Allen Russell

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Gregory Allen Russell (RA18911190), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 6th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Russell distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 11 May 1968 as a radio operator during a reconnaissance-in-force mission near the village of Da Phuoc. He was in the point squad when his company began to cross a river to establish a night defensive position. Just as he entered the water, his squad came under extremely heavy enemy fire which wounded him and threw him into the river. Finding his radio inoperative, he ignored the pain of his injury and swam ashore to obtain another radio. He then reentered the water and swam more than fifty meters to the side of his platoon leader. Completely exposed to the continuing enemy fire, Specialist Russell provided desperately needed communications until he received a mortal wound from a sniper’s bullet. Specialist Four Russell’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Headquarters, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4493 (September 25, 1968)