Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
9:37 | The new concept of mobile troops using helicopters was used extensively in Vietnam. COL Walt Russell was aboard one when he felt an odd sensation. Reaching up, he felt where a sniper round had blown a hole in his head “the size of a cigarette pack.”
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Walt Russell’s uncle secured him an appointment to West Point, where he met his best friend and future brother-in-law Joe Clemons. After graduation and basic, he went to jump school because paratrooper pay meant an extra $110.
Young Captain Walt Russell “felt like a big shot” as a rifle platoon leader in Korea, leading patrols against the dug in Chinese troops. He inherited a diverse, roughly trained platoon and together they learned to be a good unit.
After seeing action in Korea, Walt Russell taught at jump school for a year and then went to flight school and Command Staff School. This led him eventually to Ft. Bragg where the Army was trying a new concept, mobile units in helicopters.
Walt Russell’s brother-in-law and best friend, Joe Clemons, was in trouble on Pork Chop Hill and he led his own company to the outpost to relieve him. In the famous movie about this battle, Gregory Peck portrayed Clemons and Rip Torn portrayed Russell. During the intense and bloody battle, Mr. Russell's reinforcements helped save the Americans that were defending the hill, and he was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions and leadership.
First, Walt Russell’s neurologist told him to get used to watching TV because he could not hold a job. Then the loan examiner told him he could not handle law school. After years of public service in elected office, he had proven them both wrong.
