James E. Russell
Second Lieutenant, Medical Administrative Corps, U.S. Army

On 14 September 1944, Second Lieutenant James E. Russell was serving with the 3rd Battalion, 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

On that day, 2LT Russell’s unit was in action against German forces and the 3rd Battalion was attacking a heavily-fortified German position in the Foret De L'Avant-Garde near Pompey, France. In order to administer aid and to evacuate casualties, 2LT Russell, as Medical Administrative Corps officer of the Battalion Aid Station, established a forward evacuation point in the vicinity of the Company I Command Post and went forward to direct litter bearers. As the attack progressed, German fire increased in intensity, creating more casualties than could be handled by the medical aidmen. Displaying bravery and ignoring his personal safety, 2LT Russell repeatedly advanced into the machine gunned and heavily-shelled area, alone, and carried back wounded men. 2LT Russell saved many lives and his heroic actions were an inspiration to those who witnessed them. 2LT Russell was killed by machine gun fire while administering first aid to a wounded man on the battlefield. 2LT Russell’s selfless, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant James E. Russell (ASN: 0-2048470), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 319th Infantry Regiment, 80th Infantry Division. On 14 September 1944, the battalion was attacking a heavily fortified enemy position in the Foret De L'Avant-Garde near Pompey, France. In order to administer aid and to evacuate casualties, Lieutenant Russell, as Medical Administrative Corps officer of the Battalion Aid Station, established a forward evacuation point in the vicinity of the Company I command post and went forward to direct litter bearers. As the attack progressed, enemy fire increased in intensity, and there were more casualties than could be handled by the medical aid men. Displaying courage and disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Russell repeatedly advanced into the machine gunned and heavily shelled area alone and carried back wounded men. He saved many lives and his actions were an inspiration to all who witnessed them. Lieutenant Russell was killed by machine gun fire while administering first aid to a wounded man on the battlefield.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 89 (1944)

Burial

Second Lieutenant James E. Russell is buried at the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial in Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France, in Section C, Row 25, Grave 94.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56660320/james-e-russell