Peter F. Russell was born on March 12, 1940. His home of record is Wharton, NJ. Russell graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1958 Columbia University in 1962, with a degree in International Relations. He was fluent in Russian and Chinese (Mandarin).

Russell received flight training and received his wings with the US Navy in 1963. During this time flying, he was deployed to the USS Intrepid and the USS Saratoga. He served as an instrument instructor for a time but preferred to be in the air. Russell did not like jet aviation and longed for the propeller days.

He was deployed to Vietnam in March 1969 and assigned to Light Attack Squadron 4 (VAL-4), flying out of Binh Thuy, called the “Black Ponies”. He attained the rank of Lieutenant (LT).

Russell was killed in action on May 23, 1969, while providing air cover to a riverine patrol. He is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Boothbay, ME.

Russell received numerous awards and decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross with gold star, Purple Heart, Air Medal with numeral 9, Navy Commendation Medal with combat V, National Defense Service Medal with gold star, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 devise and Republic of Vietnam MUC Gallantry Cross.

Russell was survived by his parents and two brothers. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay, ME.

Sources: Various websites, “At Death he was 25 Years Old” by Christopher C. Stout and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024