Recognizing the Life and Noble Military and Community Service of Lt. Colonel Donald Bryant Russell

Floor Speech

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Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and noble military and community service of Lt. Colonel Donald Bryant Russell who passed away at the age of 102. Known as a quiet and unassuming individual, Lt. Col. Russell served his country for 31 years on 4 different continents in the United States Army and the United States Air Force. Later in his life he served his community of Colorado Springs, Colorado through his VFW Post and mentorship activities with Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 1942, Lt. Col. Russell left early from Purdue University where he was studying mechanical engineering, to join the Army Air Corps after the attack of Japanese forces on Pearl Harbor. He detailed in his application to the Army that he had a lifelong ambition to fly aircraft which had been influenced by his father's experience as a pilot before him. This desire led him to serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps where he became a pilot spotting submarines in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Later, he became a member of the United States Air Force where he proudly served in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and numerous countries.

During Lt. Col. Russell's service in the Korean War, he displayed gallantry and intrepidity. On July 16, 1950, while participating in an aerial armed reconnaissance flight near Chochiwan, Korea, the flight sighted an enemy armored tank column. On the first aerial pass at this column, Lt. Col. Russell encountered intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire and his aircraft was badly damaged: losing his left-wing tip and the tip tank, plus significant damage to his left aileron and flaps. Disregarding his own personal safety, Lt. Col. Russell continued to hold his position in the formation and pressed his attack to the minimum altitude and range. Though his aircraft was very difficult to handle, Lt. Col. Russell scored a direct hit with a rocket on 1 tank, blowing the turret completely off and destroying several supporting vehicles. Upon returning to his home base, his plane was required to make a no-flap landing after dark and was found to be damaged beyond repair. In recognition of his remarkable valor, Lt. Col. Russell received the Silver Star. He also received numerous other awards for his military service, including a Bronze Star Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Meritorious Service Award.

During his military career, Lt. Col. Russell received his master's degree in logistics at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. Subsequently, he served four additional tours.

After his final duty in Ethiopia, he and his wife, Marguerite settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he became an active member of the community. He was known as a ``quiet helper'' and never looked to seek recognition or attention and was described as ``very, very humble''. In 1985, after his son checked into a rehab clinic for alcohol abuse, Lt. Col. Russell joined Alcoholics Anonymous where he served as a mentor to members until his final months on earth.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring the life and service of Lt. Colonel Donald Bryant Russell, who faithfully served his country, community, family, and Colorado's 5th Congressional District.

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