Russell Leroy Johnson

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on November 22, 2012:

Russell Leroy Johnson Born April 15, 1929 -- Died November 11, 2012 Russell Leroy "Russ" Johnson was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 15 April 1929 and was appointed to West Point from the 5th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Russ came from the University of Minnesota where he studied the fine art of debating. He employed realistic debating principles, combined them with his unparalleled sense of humor and aptness for colorful verbal description, and rose quickly to the editorship of the Pointer. We will greatly miss Pug's ability to efficiently take charge of any situation, but most of all, his jovial companionship." During his cadet days Russ went out for Gymnastics plebe year; was on the Debate Council all four years; went out for Tennis plebe, yearling and cow years; was with the Pointer Staff yearling, cow and first class years and was Editor-in-Chief first class year; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Russ went in the Artillery and after completing the Basic Artillery Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma reported to the 5th Anti Aircraft Battalion in Germany and served from there 1951 to 1955. Russ's next assignment was to earn an MA degree in English from Columbia University in 1956 and on completion was assigned to the English Department as an Instructor at the United States Military Academy where he served as such until 1959 and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1960 Russ was appointed Battery Commander with the 17th Artillery in Korea and served as such until 1961; he was awarded a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service on completion of this tour. In 1965 Russ attended the Navy Command and Staff College and earned a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University at the same time. Then from 1965 to 1967 Russ served as Commanding Officer of the 2/15 Artillery AK and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. Russ's next assignment was to Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army where he served from 1968 to 1970 and was awarded a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. From 1971 to 1972 Russ was the Commanding Officer of the MR2 Artillery, Republic of Vietnam and he was decorated with a third Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and 5 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. Russ's last military assignment was as Commanding Officer of Fort Shafter, Hawaii from 1975 to 1977. Russ retired from the United States Army as a Colonel in 1978 and he was awarded a fourth Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. On retirement Russ served as Coach of the US Swimming Team in 1978. In 1986 Russ became a Lecturer in English at El Paso Community College and continues to serve in that position. The May 1991 Assembly noted that "Russ and Gloria, El Paso, are looking forward to 1 June and retirement at Elephant Butte, NM where they are building a home on the 8th Fairway - they'll be happy to discuss construction in May."

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