Russell W. Mcnutt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Russell W. McNutt (0-51611), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Attack Squadron of the FIRST Marine Air Wing, in Korea, on 27 March 1952. First Lieutenant McNutt, member of a flight dispatched to bomb a railroad by-pass bridge and to effect a rail cut near Hasangsan, skillfully scored a direct hit on the railroad. During this action the flight leader was forced to bail out of his aircraft when it was hit by enemy fire. First Lieutenant McNutt, undeterred by multiple small arms fire, lowered his landing gear and flaps and followed the parachuting pilot in order to effectively mark his downed position. Subsequently, the downed pilot was captured by two enemy troops and First Lieutenant McNutt’s aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire, causing excessive oil leaks and restricted visibility. Regardless, he persisted in low firing passes over the scene to discourage the enemy from leaving the area with their prisoner. When the rescue helicopter arrived, First Lieutenant McNutt directed it to the downed pilot. His skilful airmanship and courageous actions in the face of grave personal risk contributed greatly to the liberation of the downed pilot and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.