The  President  of  the United States takes pleasure  in  presenting  the   AIR MEDAL (Bronze Star in lieu of the First Award) to

for service as set forth in the following

                 CITATION:

                               "For heroic achievement  in aerial  flight while  serving  with Marine  Medium  Helicopter  Squadron  364,   Marine  Aircraft  Group  Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing   in connection  with  combat operations  against  the enemy  in the  Republic  of  Vietnam.  On  17  December 1968,  Corporal  Russo launched as an Aerial Gunner aboard a CH-46 transport  helicopter assigned the mission of  inserting a Marine infantry unit into an area near  An Hoa in Quang Nam Province.  A total of  five landings were necessary to  complete the mission, and during each of these,  Corporal Russo delivered  accurate suppressive fire at hostile emplacements.  Seemingly ignoring  the intense enemy fire directed at his aircraft,  he continued  to pinpoint  hostile positions and  deliver fire with his .50 caliber  machine gun until  the helicopter  was safely out  of the hazardous  area. Corporal Russo's  courage,  superb  professionalism  and  steadfast  devotion  to duty  earned the respect  of all who observed  him and  were in  keeping with the highest  traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."