THE WALL OF FACES

Russ sat next to me in many Missoula County High School classes from 1962 - 1966 due to our alphabetic placement. He was smart, kind, warm, and loved E.M. Forster books. Was always reading one. So sad that we lost him. Went to his name on the Wall in DC in 2016 to connect again. The posting of the sweater and surmise that it was from Missoula County High School was appreciated.

I remember this old friend from my early days as a freshman at the University of Montana
We wrote letters when he was in Vietnam
Thank you for your service
Peter L. Steere
Tucson, Arizona

I am the niece of Russel. His younger brother was my father. Geoff. I’ve recently discovered this page and feel such gratitude for the friends he was fortunate to have as a young man. I understand that a woman has a sweater from my grandmothers estate. I learned of my grandmothers passing much later and am sadden to have not received old photos of my father and Russell. I only have one photo of my father Geoff and now this photo of Russ. I look just like Russell. Same eyes, nose, cheeks, and lips. It’s remarkable the resemblance.

Should anyone have photos of the Crase family or stories to share, please contact me.

Bless Russel for his service and heroism. I wish I knew more of him.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your friend Curt Griffiths is touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Lionel: my best friend growing up in Missoula; we always called him Lionel, although you went by "Russ". Remembering and missing you every day since your death in 1968. Remembering, in particular, the summer spent at my uncle's horse farm outside Columbus, Ohio: after our Sophomore year, we drove a Jeep pickup from Montana to Ohio and had many adventures along the way. Amazing that our parents let us make that trip at 16! Was in D.C. in September, 2018, and left flowers at the grave.
A best friend forever. We all miss him.