LA GRANGE — Lyons Township High School has announced it will host an induction of five new members to its Hall of Fame. Each day this week we will feature one of them – see the whole list.
Lee Russell, a class of ’40 LT graduate, flew in three wars: World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. After he graduated, Russell enrolled in pilot training and was the first in his class to fly solo and to graduate. Called to service during World War II, he flew as a lead pilot with the 57th Bomb Wing.
During his 68th mission, his plane was shot down and he was captured as a German POW in a camp near Nuremberg. He plotted an escape and made it out alive. After the war, he graduated with a degree in business from Northwestern University. Instead of going into business, he became a commercial pilot for United Airlines. He was recalled to military service when the Korean War began and piloted transport planes back and forth between the U.S and Asia.
Later, he was transferred into Strategic Air Command, where he directed and taught other pilots. In 1966, he was sent into Vietnam with the 7th Air Force, where he served in the Airborne Command post in Da Nang, flying an astonishing 108 missions.
Russell retired in 1985, having received six air medals and three Distinguished Flying Crosses, which are awarded to elite aviators for their skill, accuracy and bravery under fire.
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October 18, 2012 9:51 am
That’s my Dad, who is currently living large at the very active, AF Village West, resort-style retirement community. (Don’t let the name fool you, AF Village West is open to all who served their communities such as police, fire, attorneys, judges, in addition to former military personnel). See http://www.AFVW.com
Dad’s not much of a talker, (I was 12 before I knew of his escape) however, I *did* grow up hearing Dad’s fond memories of Lyons Township and La Grange. So I’m happy LTHS has chosen my father with this honor, and prouder still that Chicago’s own, retired Brig. General James L. Melin, the President of AF Village West will accept this honor on Dad’s behalf.
Many, many thanks to LTHS and the people who work so hard on a yearly basis, to do this.
October 18, 2012 4:54 pm
We need more stories like this! All too often, senior citizens are equated with senility instead of a lifetime of accomplishments. Don’t let the gray hair (or no hair!) fool you. Those medals, commendations and DFCs don’t come free, you know. We have lots of guys just like Lee Russell here at Air Force Village West , unsung heroes who still contribute to the well-being of their fellow residents and the community at large. In fact, this remarkable retirement center flourishes because so many of the men and women here are vitally active, drawing upon years of education and experience to keep alive the interests and the spirits of those who live here and in the surrounding community. There should be another medal ……
October 19, 2012 5:15 pm
I have known Lee for over a year now and did not know these things about him. He is a good friend of mine here the Air Forece Village West where we both live… and now I know a real HERO.
Thanks for the article.
October 20, 2012 10:26 pm
This is incredible – a real hero, yet so quiet and retrospect about his incredible accomplisments. I am always in awe of the men who served in these wars and yet asked nothing of us. They saved our lives and kept us safe! I will always be humbled and thankful!
My thanks to Lee Russell for his outstanding contribution to keeping our country the land of the free.
October 18, 2012 10:24 am
That’s my Grandfather. Yes, he tends to not discuss about his accomplishments. That’s why I love reading articles like this about him. Love ya, Grandpa!
October 18, 2012 11:01 am
Thanks for the comments everyone. Very inspirational story indeed.
October 18, 2012 10:30 am
We are very proud of Airman Russell as a great Patriot!
October 18, 2012 11:59 am
My father, Paul Cooper lives at Air Force Village West, a retirement community in Southern California. My Dad also flew in the 57th Bomb Wing and knows Lee. During a recent visit with my Dad I had the pleasure of having lunch with Lee….On the 68th anniversary of the 68th mission that he flew in WWII…the one during which he got shot down. He tells the story of the mission as if it happened yesterday!
October 18, 2012 1:08 pm
Pete that’s incredible!
October 18, 2012 12:01 pm
Lee Russell may be retired, but he is still one very remarkable man. I’m proud to have the priviledge of knowing him here at AF Village West.
October 18, 2012 12:21 pm
That’s my Father-in-law and his service to his country has been something that he and his whole family can be proud of! He does not talk much about it but when he travels with us I make sure people are aware of his accomplishments! Lee — your the best !
October 18, 2012 12:25 pm
I am honored to know Lee Russell. He has a great sense of humor and is loving life here at AF Village West. And, what a history!!!
October 18, 2012 12:28 pm
I am honored to know Lt. Col. Lee Russell. He has a great sense of humor and is loving life here at AF Village West. And, what a history!!!
October 18, 2012 12:30 pm
What an American but more important is what man Lee Russell is.
October 18, 2012 2:09 pm
Met Lee Russell while he was here at A.F. Village West on a 6 month trial. He loved it and moved in permanently. We are lucky to have such a gentleman with his incredible history among us, living a such a happy, active life.
October 18, 2012 4:24 pm
Everyone at AF Village West is grateful for the opportunity to know Lee and to appreciate his incredible story. It is people like him that make this village so special and a wonderful place to be every day. Thank you Lee for your service to your country and for your friendship.
October 18, 2012 9:01 pm
Through his daughter, Bonnie, I feel as though I know her dad, Lee, as well as General paul Cooper as if they are relatives. Actually, I think we all should have the priviledge of knowing Patriots – true heroes – of past national conflicts… not that we should honor war but that we should show deep respect and honor to those warriors who helped to make this country what it is today and to keep us free. My own father-in-law is a veteran of WW II in the South Pacific and like most of those who have been humbled by the horrors of war, he doesn’t talk of it very much. I think these Old Soldiers would rather keep us a bit insulated from what they saw and did. I think we owe our very existence to these heroes of The Greatest Generation. I salute them all.
Dean
October 19, 2012 10:28 am
This is my Dad. I’m proud of him and his accomplishments. He doesn’t brag or toot his own horn. He is a gentlemen with a great sense of humor and always carries such a positive attitude on life. Good job Ole Guy:-) Love ya!
October 19, 2012 1:25 pm
We were delighted when Lee decided to remain here at AFVW as a permanent resident. Lee is surrounded by 3 gals on the 3rd floor of F Wing and we give him a hard time — waiting to celebrate his house-warming. He is fun, a good guy, and we welcome his good humor and presence. And, here he is a very famous person too. Thanks Bonnie — keep up the good work for AFVW. Jean
October 19, 2012 2:33 pm
I mglad to be included in this group. I truly wish I could be there at the ceremony. I really
appreciate all the comments made about me. Most Sincerely, Lee Russell
October 19, 2012 6:51 pm
What an incredible story!
Huge congratulations, Lee – and thank you for your decades of service to the United States.
Yours truly was the greatest generation – and you were and are clearly among its most exceptional.
October 20, 2012 5:55 pm
We’ve been friends with Lee and his family for 57 years and as many have noted, he’s a great guy. Lee recently spoke at a DFC meeting here at AFVW, of his expierence as a
POW and it was as fresh in his mind as if it happened yesterday, which sort of gives you an idea what being a POW means. It was the first time in all the years we’ve known each
other that we heard the complete story. Fifty years ago we partied a little more the we
do now, so I guess we’ve slowed down, but not much.
December 15, 2012 3:31 am
I have known Lee for over a year now and did not know these things about him. He is a good friend of mine here the Air Forece Village West where we both live… and now I know a real HERO.