[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4252-S4253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO ADM. JAMES S. RUSSELL

 Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, it is with great sadness that I 
rise today to record the passing of a truly great American, Admiral 
James S. Russell. Adm. Russell built a remarkable legacy as a 
distinguished and decorated military officer and a respected civic 
leader in Washington State.
  James Sargent Russell was born on March 22, 1903, in Tacoma, WA, 
where he spent his childhood. Eager to serve his country in World War 
I, he attempted to join the U.S. Navy after graduating from high 
school. Because he was too young, the Navy would not accept his 
enlistment. Instead, he followed his love of the sea, beginning his 
maritime career as a seaman in the Merchant Marine.
  In 1922, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy, from which he graduated 
in 1926. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious tour of 
duty with the U.S. Navy. After serving aboard the battleship West 
Virginia, he entered the young field of naval aviation, and was 
designated a Naval Aviator in 1929.
  During World War II, then-Lieutenant Commander Russell led Patrol 
Squadron 42 in the Aleutian Island Campaign. For his heroism and 
exceptional service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the 
Air Medal, and the Legion of Merit. After serving in the Office of the 
Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, DC, he returned to combat duty 
in the Pacific and was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion 
of Merit.
  Following World War II, he assumed the post of commander of the 
U.S.S. Coral Sea and then was chief of the Bureau of Aeronautics, 
rising to the rank of vice admiral. From 1958 to 1962, he served as 
Vice Chief of Naval Operations with the four-star rank of Admiral. 
Because of his exceptionally meritorious efforts in that capacity, he 
was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.
  In 1962, Admiral Russell was named commander in chief of the Allied 
Forces in Southern Europe, a position he held until his retirement from 
active duty in 1965. His leadership during a time of heightened 
tensions earned him a Gold Star in lieu of the second Distinguished 
Service Medal.
  The advancement of the field of naval aviation owes a great deal to 
the work of Admiral Russell. He entered the field when biplanes ruled 
the skies and aided the development of supersonic fighters. For his 
work on the development of the F-8 Crusader Navy fighter, the first 
ship-based fighter to fly faster than 1,000 miles per hour, Admiral 
Russell was awarded the prestigious Collier Trophy in 1956.
  Recognition of his work extends beyond the borders of the United 
States, and is evidenced by his receipt of three foreign decorations. 
These include: the Order of Naval Merit (Grand Officer) by Brazil, the 
Legion of Honor (Commander) by France, and the Peruvian Cross of Naval 
Merit (Great Cross).
  After retiring from active duty, Admiral Russell returned to the 
Tacoma area and became a prominent member of that community. He 
remained active in the aerospace industry as a consultant and board 
member. However, his second career, which spanned almost as many years 
as his first, was as a civic leader who bridged the civilian and 
military communities. Indeed, at an age when many of his contemporaries 
were enjoying a quiet retirement, Admiral Russell took an active role 
in community affairs.
  Admiral Russell leaves his wife, Geraldine; his son and daughter-in-
law, Don and Katherine Russell; his daughter-in-law, Anitha Russell; 
five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. I wish to express my 
sincere sympathy and condolences to these and other members of his 
family.
  All who are acquainted with Admiral Russell know that his work has 
benefited and will continue to benefit countless individuals in 
Washington State, across this Nation, and around the globe. Admiral 
Russell served his country and community selflessly for three-quarters 
of a century. He led by example and earned the respect of all who knew 
him. I and so many people --his friends, colleagues, family, and 
community members--are sincerely grateful for his many contributions to 
military and civilian life. He leaves behind a great legacy and will 
not be soon forgotten.

[[Page S4253]]



             TRIBUTE TO THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY WILDCATS

 Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, as my colleagues well know, I do 
not frequently venture down to the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue. 
The current occupant of the White House and I do not always see eye to 
eye. But, times change and I am anxiously awaiting the opportunity to 
set aside political differences in order to join the President in 
welcoming to Washington the 1996 NCAA Division I National Champions, 
the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
  Mr. President, University of Kentucky basketball enjoys a proud 
history, one unequaled by any other school. In fact, in this season of 
unparalleled achievements, Kentucky not only earned bragging rights for 
the year, but they also became the winningest program in college 
basketball history. With their victory in the Mideast Regional Final, 
the Wildcats overtook the University of North Carolina and returned to 
their perch atop basketball's elite.
  This fact is further demonstrated by the yearend Sagarin basketball 
Ratings. These figures compiled by basketball expert Jeff Sagarin 
factor in numerous variables, including schedule strength, to determine 
the top teams in Division I NCAA. This year, Kentucky posted a yearend 
rating of 103.26, which put the Wildcats not only in first place for 
the year, but also made it the top rated team in the 22-year history of 
these figures.
  As for history, let's review a few quick facts about this Wildcat 
team. On their way to a 34-to-2 record, the Cats defeated every team on 
their schedule at least once by a minimum of 7 points. They scored 86 
points in one-half against the LSU Tigers. Mr. President, for those of 
my colleagues who may not follow college basketball closely, allow me 
to put this achievement in terms more readily understandable. Scoring 
86 points in one half is equivalent to Bob Dole winning the Presidency 
before the polls in the Midwest even close, which, by the way, I 
anticipate he will do. Finally, the Wildcats did something that nobody 
believed was possible in this age of parity in college athletics: they 
played the entire Southeastern Conference regular season without losing 
a single game. A perfect 16 and 0.
  Rupp, Issel, Groza, Givens, Macy, Mashburn, Hall, and now Pitino. The 
Fabulous Five, Rupp's Runts, the Fiddlin' Five, Pitino's Bombinos, the 
Unforgettables, and now the Untouchables. UK basketball enjoys a 
tradition unequaled by any other program. Mr. President, I believe this 
tradition will continue to grow for decades to come.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to this 
team of outstanding young men, a group distinguished not only by their 
athletic achievements but their character as well. As an unabashed 
college basketball fanatic, I want to personally thank Coach Pitino, 
Athletic Director C.M. Newton, and President Charles Wethington for 
restoring dignity, excitement, and honor to this proud program. Their 
leadership provides an example all of us in public life would do well 
to emulate.

                          ____________________