THE WALL OF FACES

Russell is buried at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens, Bethalto, Madison County,IL.

This is a photo of Russell in the Khaki Uniform worn by the army in non-combat duty stations. The photo was provided by his sister, Debbie LeMere. Charles Bennett assisted in securing the photo for this project.

This is a photo of Russel in the fatigue uniform worn in Vietnam. The photo was provided by his sister, Debbie Le Mere. Charles Bennett assisted in securing the photo for this project.

This is a photo of Russell in Vietnam while on convoy duty. He was killed by a roadside bomb while on a similiar convoy. The photo was provided by his sister, Debbie Le Mere. Charles Bennett assisted in securing the photo for this project.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers