[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 139 (Friday, August 25, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND NOBLE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE OF LT. 
                     COLONEL DONALD BRYANT RUSSELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 25, 2023

  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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