James Sargent Russell
| James Sargent Russell | |
|---|---|
James Sargent Russell
|
|
| Born |
March 22, 1903 Tacoma, Washington |
| Died | April 14, 1996 (aged 93) Lakewood, Washington |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1922–1965 |
| Rank |
 Admiral
|
| Commands held |
VP-42 USS Bairoko (CVE-115) USS Coral Sea (CV-43) |
| Battles/wars |
World War II Korean War Cold War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal Legion of Merit with 2 Gold Stars |
James Sargent Russell (March 22, 1903 – April 14, 1996) was an admiral in the United States Navy.
Russell was born in Tacoma, Washington, the son of noted architect Ambrose J. Russell and Loella Janet (Sargent) Russell. He attended DeKoven Hall School and graduated from Stadium High School in 1918. He joined the Merchant Marine as an ordinary seaman, before entering the United States Naval Academy in 1922. He graduated, and was commissioned as ensign, on 3 June 1926.
Russel served aboard the battleship West Virginia (BB-48). He entered the flight training program at Naval Air Station Pensacola, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1929.
In the next decade he was assigned to tours of aviation duty both aboard ship and ashore, and also obtained a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
In July 1941 Russell joined Patrol Squadron 42 (VP-42), a PBY squadron based in the Aleutians, and on August 16 of that same year, assumed command. When the United States entered World War II he led VP-42 into action against Japanese forces in the Aleutian Islands Campaign, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his actions in leading his squadron against the enemy in "extremely hazardous weather conditions". Later that same year he was awarded the Legion of Merit for his "exceptionally meritorious" services in establishing advanced bases in the area and operating his squadron from them. His squadron was itself also awarded a Navy Unit Commendation. While in command of VP-42, Russell played a key role in the capture of the Akutan Zero.
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