Russell Seldal

Russell Seldal served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He would be awarded the Navy Cross.

His award citation reads:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Private First Class Russell J. Seldal (MCSN: 540487), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as a Cannoneer in Battery B, First Battalion, Eleventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 4 December 1950. Quickly realizing the extreme danger of the situation when the lead truck in his convoy was set afire during an attack by a numerically superior and cleverly concealed enemy force well-entrenched in near-by hill positions, Private First Class Seldal rushed forward from his covered position to the blazing vehicle which was loaded with ammunition and, braving a concentrated hail of intense and accurate hostile machine-gun and rifle fire, courageously disposed of the burning ammunition and smothered the flames that were spreading throughout the remaining ammunition. By his swift action, he averted an almost certain catastrophe, saving valuable ammunition, preventing an explosion that would have resulted in numerous casualties, and keeping open the only road to safety for the friendly forces. His outstanding initiative, superb courage and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Private First Class Seldal and the United States Naval Service.

Seldal was born in Madison, Wisconsin.^[1]

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