Raymond Max Russ

Sergeant, U. S. Marine Corps

Silver Star

GENERAL ORDERS:
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 48164
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Raymond M. Russ (MCSN: 865018), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, Fifth Engineer Battalion, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, from 19 February to 26 March 1945.
Moving out in front of friendly lines and under fire to an abandoned tractor stuck in an anti-tank ditch, Sergeant Russ, filling in the ditch and salvaging the tank, permitted other vehicles behind it to move in to the attack.
On 18 March, when ordered to construct a road over which explosives were to be hauled to the front lines, he struck an enemy mine which disabled his tractor but, although severely shocked from the explosion, obtained another tractor and completed his assigned mission.
While constructing a tank road with an armored dozer on the forward slope of a small ridge in enemy territory without cover from supporting tanks, he encountered five enemy soldiers and, knowing he was not covered by friendly fire, was forced to withdraw.
When one of the men attacked him from the rear, Sergeant Russ pivoted his tractor toward the enemy and knocked him into a ravine.
On 24 and 25 March, he constructed roads for tanks into the last pocket of enemy resistance although constantly endangered by hostile fire.
His courageous devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.