Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 15 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

October 29th, 1943

Citation:
"One night in October 1943, this airman piloted an aircraft detailed to attack Kassel. Whilst making his bombing run the aircraft was subjected to heavy fire from the ground defences, but Flight Sergeant Russel held to his course and executed his bombing attack. Almost immediately the aircraft was repeatedly hit by machine gun fire from a fighter. Extensive damage was sustained causing the bomber to become difficult to control, but displaying superb airmanship Flight Sergeant Russell flew the crippled bomber to an airfield in this country. Although almost exhausted by his efforts he succeeded in effecting a safe landing. This airman displayed outstanding courage and tenacity."