Pilot Major Gabriel C. Russell MIS/DIS
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Squadron: 14th Fighter Group
Service#O-021321
Awards:
Biography gleaned from www.westpointaog.org
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1938
GABRIEL CALDWELL RUSSELL was born near Louisville, Kentucky in 1913. He achieved scholastic and athletic honors while in high school and attended Center College before being accepted to West Point. In his cadet years, Gabe was admired as a gifted athlete. Graduating in 1938 he was accepted in the Air Corps and sent to Randolph and Kelly Fields for flight training.
His proficiency in flying fighter aircraft earned him assignments to units having the latest aircraftof World War II. He developed a reputation for courage taking on the toughest tests and pressing aircraft to their limits.
On 3 March 1943, Gabe flew his P-38 to Algiers, North Africa, to coordinate fighter support for upcoming operations in North Africa and Sicily. That evening, he and fellow fighter pilot and classmate Carter Duncan were together for an enjoyable supper. The next morning, Gabe took off for Casablanca but did not arrive. After an extensive search, he was declared missing in action; and the circumstances of his loss have never been resolved.
Gabe was a part of a great tradition:a descendant of officers of the Revolutionary and later the American Wars; a member of the Society of Cincinnati; of splendid military accomplishment; of proven potential for the highest responsibility. He contributed to the strength of the corps— served the Air Corps with distinction—and in our hearts he honors 'The Long Gray Line."
Pilot Major Gabriel C. Russell MIS/DIS
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
Squadron: 14th Fighter Group
Service#O-021321
Awards:
Biography gleaned from www.westpointaog.org
Graduate United States Military Academy Class of 1938
GABRIEL CALDWELL RUSSELL was born near Louisville, Kentucky in 1913. He achieved scholastic and athletic honors while in high school and attended Center College before being accepted to West Point. In his cadet years, Gabe was admired as a gifted athlete. Graduating in 1938 he was accepted in the Air Corps and sent to Randolph and Kelly Fields for flight training.
His proficiency in flying fighter aircraft earned him assignments to units having the latest aircraftof World War II. He developed a reputation for courage taking on the toughest tests and pressing aircraft to their limits.
On 3 March 1943, Gabe flew his P-38 to Algiers, North Africa, to coordinate fighter support for upcoming operations in North Africa and Sicily. That evening, he and fellow fighter pilot and classmate Carter Duncan were together for an enjoyable supper. The next morning, Gabe took off for Casablanca but did not arrive. After an extensive search, he was declared missing in action; and the circumstances of his loss have never been resolved.
Gabe was a part of a great tradition:a descendant of officers of the Revolutionary and later the American Wars; a member of the Society of Cincinnati; of splendid military accomplishment; of proven potential for the highest responsibility. He contributed to the strength of the corps— served the Air Corps with distinction—and in our hearts he honors 'The Long Gray Line."
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Kentucky.
Family Members
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