Russell, Sgt. James William (1921-1945)

In Recognition for: Service to country and the Town of Gray

Sgt. James W. Russell was the only soldier killed in action during World War II who was a life-long Gray resident. 

Born in Gray, he was the son of Dana and Arline (Hunt) Russell. James graduated from Pennell Institute in 1938 and from the University of Maine with honors in 1943 with a BS degree in Forestry. 

He joined the Army in June 1943 and served overseas in Europe, before he was killed in Germany at age 23. James was buried in Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium and later reinterred in Gray Village Cemetery.

In 1956, Gray's new elementary school was named in his honor: the James W. Russell School.

Burial: Gray Village Cemetery: Find a Grave Memorial #116208747

Sponsor: Elizabeth C. Bullen
Added: 17 Jan 2017