Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Henry
Russell
November 14, 1872

–

March 6, 1947

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

John Russell graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1892, and after two years at sea, passed his final examinations and was transferred to the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant in 1894. Rising to the rank of Major General, he was appointed the 16th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps on March 1, 1934, and served in that position until November 30, 1936.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    1st Provisional Brigade of Marines

    Action Date:

    December 6, 1929

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Colonel John Henry Russell (MCSN: 0-854), United States Marine Corps, for distinguished service in the line of his profession in able administration of the First Provisional Brigade of Marines in Haiti, and for wisdom and tact in all his dealings with the officials of the Haitian Government and people.

  • Navy Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    February 11, 1922 – November 12, 1930

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General John Henry Russell (MCSN: 0-854), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as American High Commissioner to the Republic of Haiti from 11 February 1922 to 12 November 1930. During this period as representative of the President of the United States in Haiti, General Russell, by his energy, patience, firmness and tact, established harmonious and efficient cooperation between the treaty officials. His administrative ability, good judgment, and sympathetic understanding of the needs of the country enabled him to accomplish many outstanding works for the welfare of the Haitian people. His distinguished service as American High Commissioner has resulted in a great improvement of the political and economic conditions in the Republic of Haiti.