RUSSELL GEORGE H

COL George H. Russell was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 11/14/2008 at the age of 89.1
Bunker Hill, WV
Date of Birth 10/19/1919
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by SSN search 0905

More detail on this person: Colonel George H Russell Colonel George H. Russell, 89, a long time resident of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, passed away on November 14, 2008. He is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Teddy Rae Russell, and his three loving daughters: Katherine Rainey, Kristine Russell, and Karoline Russell. He was pre-deceased by his first wife and their mother, Hazel "Bunny" Russell, in 1975. He is also survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. George Russell was born in Lynden, Washington and grew up nearby in the Bellingham area. He entered Western Washington College in 1938, earning an Education Degree in 1946, after his studies were interrupted by World War II. During a distinguished U.S. Army career of 39 years, George Russell valiantly served his country in three wars. He began his Army career as an enlisted man in 1936, and received a commission by direct appointment in 1941, prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Serving 48 months in the Pacific, with the 161st Infantry, 25th Division. George took part in campaigns on Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and Luzon. During the war, he rose from platoon leader to battalion commanding officer before returning home in 1945. Col. Russell went to Korea in July, 1950, and served as commander of the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry, 2nd Division until July, 1951. He also completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. Other notable career activities included command of the 16th Infantry in Germany, graduating from the U.S. Army Aviation School (for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft), graduating from the U.S. Army War College, earning a Master's Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, and assignments to the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as Chiefs of Staff to 1st Army. Since he retired from the Army in 1974, Col. Russell has owned and operated Marshbrook Farm in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, raising cattle. In 2004, the Russells worked with the Land Trust of the Eastern Panhandle to conserve this historic and scenic farm that George loved so much. George Russell was greatly loved and deeply respected by innumerable friends and colleagues, as well as many people he helped anonymously during his life. In the words of George's youngest daughter, "Daddy was a sweet, loving man. He was a hero in the truest sense of the word - as a soldier, as a father, and as a person." A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2008, at the Brown Funeral Home's South Berkeley Chapel. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berkeley County Humane Society, 554 Charles Town Road, Martinsburg, West Virginia, 25401. May he rest in peace

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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