HAROLD B. RUSSELL, LTJG, USN
Harold Russell '31
Lucky Bag
From the 1931 Lucky Bag:
Harold Berton Russell
Lapeer, Michigan
"Rus" "Mac"
After absorbing what knowledge was available in Lapeer, Rus looked about him for more. He decided on the Academy, and came down to learn more about it. He quickly hit his stride after he had gazed around a bit and became settled. He wooed and won the gentle muse of Learning, starring from time to time with almost star grades between times.
Spring he spends on the rifle range helping to manage and managing the team; a job without glory, but one that is essential to a successful team.
Almost a fiend for bridge, his hobby for rainy afternoons, he has the good luck which comes only with a thorough knowledge of the game.
Athletics are to him a means rather than an end. A little company soccer now, some handball then, some swimming when he wants it, and so on.
Neither a cynic nor an unbounded optimist, Rus has an even tempered philosophy which makes him a good classmate. With a cheerful word when someone is low, and a smile for everyone, he carries on.
Rifle Manager 4, 3, 2, 1 Class Soccer 4, 3 Star 2 Two Stripes
Harold Berton Russell
Lapeer, Michigan
"Rus" "Mac"
After absorbing what knowledge was available in Lapeer, Rus looked about him for more. He decided on the Academy, and came down to learn more about it. He quickly hit his stride after he had gazed around a bit and became settled. He wooed and won the gentle muse of Learning, starring from time to time with almost star grades between times.
Spring he spends on the rifle range helping to manage and managing the team; a job without glory, but one that is essential to a successful team.
Almost a fiend for bridge, his hobby for rainy afternoons, he has the good luck which comes only with a thorough knowledge of the game.
Athletics are to him a means rather than an end. A little company soccer now, some handball then, some swimming when he wants it, and so on.
Neither a cynic nor an unbounded optimist, Rus has an even tempered philosophy which makes him a good classmate. With a cheerful word when someone is low, and a smile for everyone, he carries on.
Rifle Manager 4, 3, 2, 1 Class Soccer 4, 3 Star 2 Two Stripes
Loss
Harold died on May 12, 1935 in the Navy Hospital at Mare Island, California, likely of an illness.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Harold graduated from Lapeer high school in 1926. Class Will: Harold bequeaths his dignified manner and scholastic attainments. Class Prophecy: ‘Of course, you all remember Harold Russell, the valedictorian of our class. When I was coming through Texas I saw him. He’s a very rich man now. Bought up land down in Texas and they discovered oil on it last year. He’s worth millions of dollars now.
He married the former Mary Beth Whaley on November 24, 1934.
His father Milo was a farmer.
From Detroit Free Press on May 14, 1935:
Lapeer Man Dies in Navy Hospital
Lieut. Russell Is Mourned by Kin in Dearborn
Word was received here early Tuesday morning of the death of Lieut. Harold B. Russell, 27 years old, of the United States Navy. Lieut. Russell, a bridegroom of less than a year, died in the Navy Hospital at Mare Island, Calif.
He was attached to the U.S.S. Cincinnati, and was to have gone to San Pedro in June on a tour of duty aboard a relief ship. He was married on Nov. 24, 1934, to the former Mary Beth Whaley, who was with him at the time of his death.
Lieut. Russell, born in Lapeer County, was graduated from Lapeer High School and received his commission in the 1931 class at Annapolis. In addition to his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Milo Russell, of 5274 Williamson Ave., Dearborn, four brothers, and a sister survive. They are Ralph, Maynard, Leslie, Walter and Miss Jane Russell, all of Dearborn.
Harold had been in the hospital for some time; a report (two days after his death) was that he was to "continue treatment" at the hospital.
His son, whom his wife named Harold, was born on August 20.
His death is noted in the Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps of 1935, but no other information is given.
In the Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps of 1934 Harold is listed (as an Ensign) aboard USS Biddle.
He is buried in California with his wife.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
From his high school yearbook
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