Citation

Staff Sergeant Russell W. Bigham. Staff Sergeant Russell W. Bigham distinguished himself by heroism as Loadmaster on a C-123B aircraft near Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on 28 November 1965. On that date, Sergeant Bigham flew an extremely dangerous night mission for the defense of two friendly outposts under siege. During the course of this mission, his flareship illuminated the beleaguered outposts, while decoying fire from illusive, hostile gun emplacements whereby armed helicopters were effectively employed to silence them, saving the outposts from being overrun. The outstanding heroism and selfless dedication to duty displayed by Sergeant Bigham reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.