Russell Peter Bott
Master Sergeant, U.S. Army

In November 1966, then-Staff Sergeant Russell Peter Bott was serving with Recon Team Viper, Detachment B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in South Vietnam.

During the period 29 November - 1 December, SSG Bott was serving as a Special Forces advisor to a joint American-Vietnamese reconnaissance team in Laos. On the night of 29 November, the team was infiltrated deep within hostile territory, and throughout the night heard movement close to its position. The following morning, SSG Bott and his four comrades fiercely engaged 10 Viet Cong troops, killing six and forcing the rest to flee. Continuing their patrol, the team again noticed insurgent presence during that night. On the morning of 1 December, fearing their position had been compromised, the team members were forced to open fire on another hostile group. Soon after the initial exchange of fire, SSG Bott's patrol was surrounded by a large Viet Cong unit. During the ensuing assaults, the other American advisor was seriously wounded and one Vietnamese was killed. Along with only two other men capable of fighting, SSG Bott directed their fire and threw grenades, as they held their position. When rescue helicopters finally reached the team's location, the two Vietnamese soldiers started to maneuver towards the pickup zone. SSG Bott raised his pistol and motioned them to continue without him, as he elected to stay behind with the wounded advisor. His selfless decision to remain alone and protect his injured comrade against overwhelming odds was an act of unimpeachable valor. SSG Bott's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Bott received a promotion to the rank of Master Sergeant while in MIA status.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Parachutist Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Russell P. Bott, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment B-52, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during the period 29 November 1966 to 1 December 1966. Sergeant Bott distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a joint American-Vietnamese reconnaissance team. On the night of 29 November, the team was infiltrated deep within hostile territory, and throughout the night heard movement close to its position. The following morning, Sergeant Bott and his four comrades fiercely engaged ten Viet Cong troops, killing six and forcing the rest to flee. Continuing their patrol, the team again noticed insurgent presence during that night. On the morning of 1 December, fearing their position had been compromised, the team members were forced to open fire on another hostile group. Soon after the initial exchange of fire, Sergeant Bott's patrol was surrounded by a large Viet Cong unit. During the ensuing assaults, the other American advisor was seriously wounded and one Vietnamese was killed. Along with only two other men capable of fighting, Sergeant Bott dauntlessly directed their fire and threw grenades, as they bravely held their position. When rescue helicopters finally reached the team's location, the two Vietnamese soldiers started to maneuver towards the pickup zone. With complete disregard for his safety, Sergeant Bott raised his pistol and motioned them to continue without him, as he elected to stay behind with the wounded advisor. His selfless decision to remain alone and protect his stricken comrade against overwhelming odds was an act of unimpeachable valor. Sergeant Bott's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 460 (January 30, 1967)

Honors

The name Russell P Bott is located on Panel 13E Line 3 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Memorialization

The remains of Master Sergeant Russell Peter Bott have never been recovered. He is memorialized with his name inscribed on Court B of the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial in Honolulu, HI.