Posted by LTC Christopher M. Farrell, USA on May 15, 2009:

I am deeply saddened by the loss of our classmate, Dr. Russ Davidson. In addition to being a great friend at USMA, he was one of my squadmates in 5th Company at Camp Buckner. That is where we first met, in earnest. Rusty and Charles Krumwiede were in the bay next to the one occupied by Scott Kobida and me. I can still remember our many talks during that summer back in 1988. Rusty had us all convinced that we hadn't yet lived until we went to Charleston, SC and witnessed for ourselves all the "belles in their white, cotton dresses sipping mint juleps." That was quite a summer! And, I'm certain that all would agree, Rusty was quite a guy - a true southern gentleman in every respect. At the time, he and many of us had just turned 19 years old and were all fresh out of plebe year - with the rest of our cadet existence . . . and our lives, at large . . . out there in front of us. Rusty clearly went on to achieve his goals - becoming a neurosurgeon, marrying and raising a family, and all the best that life has to offer. Since our graduation on 1 June 1991, Rusty had established himself on a path of sustained excellence. I have no doubt that Rusty's best years were yet to come - and that he would have continued to heal our active service members, veterans, and others well into the future. The only saving grace in this whole tragedy is the fact that Rusty, no doubt, influenced many others through his wonderful example of quiet professionalism, kindness, humility, and strength. We must all draw on those qualities now as we cope with this loss and try to move forward as better people - the kind that Rusty was and will always be in our collective memory. Rusty, "Grip hands though it be from the shadows." Be Thou at Peace, brother . . .

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