From whence the fort was named

  • Published
  • By Mike Byrd
  • 90th Missile Wing historian
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  To appreciate and understand the character of Army Brig. Gen. David A. Russell, one must first review his history. 

David Russell was born Dec. 10, 1820, in Salem, N.Y. David's family and the New-England church instilled in him a legacy of discipline and values that remained with him to the frontier and battlefields he later faced. 

Coupled with his values, were his boyhood attitude toward hunting and the outdoors. His strengths did not lie in books and study. 

On July 1, 1841, young Russell entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with the help of his congressional father. As a student, his grades in French, math and chemistry were poor and kept him toward the bottom of his class. Otherwise, Russell faired very well in infantry tactics, conduct and increased responsibilities. 

In June 1843, he was appointed "sergeant of one of the four companies in the Battalion of Cadets" and the next year cadet lieutenant. These recognitions he earned due to his military bearing, conduct and innate leadership abilities. 

In 1845, Russell graduated 38th of 41 from West Point. His low standing kept him from the choicest assignments, and out of many general's limelight and political staff positions. 

His instruction behind him, the new second lieutenant received orders to proceed to Wisconsin Territory. Russell travelled the 1,195 mile, 15-day journey alone and on horseback. When he arrived at Fort Crawford, he found it unoccupied. 

The 4th Infantry had transferred to Fort Scott in Indian Territory, present day Kansas, without informing West Point. Lieutenant Russell turned his mount Southwest and travelled the 715 miles to Fort Scott. 

Around a year later, Russell's next assignment lead him to Texas, Mexico and into the Mexican War under Army Gen. Zachary Taylor. During this campaign, his horse was shot out from under him, and he was taken prisoner twice. 

In 1853 through 1861, Lieutenant Russell was transferred to the Washington Territory and his first command. 

In 1861, now a captain, Russell was summoned back East because of the Civil War. In 1862, he was promoted to colonel and the commander of the 7th Massachusetts Infantry. 

In May, Colonel Russell lead his men to the battle at Williamsburg. As his men came under enemy gun fire, he had them break from drill formation and advance in a low crawl. Added to this, Colonel Russell instructed his men to spread out. This action reduced their casualties to one soldier. Several men from other regiments ran past them only to be cut down in the midst of the fire fight. 

Later in the month, Colonel Russell changed into borrowed farmers clothing, and with the farmer's daughter holding his hand, he casually surveyed Bottoms Bridge of full view of both Union and Confederate reconnaissance. Russell, then knowing the full layout of the land and spotting key Confederate strongholds, knew that his men could take the strategic bridge that night. They did. 

In December, Colonel Russell was promoted to brigadier general. Unlike many political appointments, he was promoted solely on his merit and battlefield leadership. Russell's character caused him to lead from the front, care for the lives and well being of his men and live the example of devotion to duty. 

In July, General Russell was now commanding the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Division which held the line during the bloody Battle of Gettysburg. 

In September, General Russell saw final action in the Battle of Opequan, Virginia. During the battle, there was a break in the Union rank line and Confederate troops advanced. General Russell in seeing this action turned and raced his mount in that direction to give direct orders, encourage his men and close the gap. 

As the general gave an order to advance the line, he was struck by gun fire, and he slumped forward on his mount. The general raised himself upright and continued to give "concise and clear orders" until a cannon shell exploded near him knocking him from his horse and tearing a large hole through him. 

General Russell's personal staff wrote of him, "He was a genial, warm-hearted, true and courteous gentleman and friend. The officers of his command went to him as to a father for advice and counsel, and none so ready as he gave it." 

General Russell's character was that of a stern disciplinarian. He knew it takes discipline to save lives in times of war. He mixed discipline with warmness and great care for those he commanded, an understanding of the plight and hell of war and the sacredness of others' lives. 

When the Army came westward and decided on a location for a fort, thoughts turned to the fallen frontier soldier to honor and name the new fort after. His name was David Allen Russell. 

(Editor's note: Information obtained from the use of "That Sterling Soldier" by A.D. Slade; Hutchinson, History of the Seventh Massachusetts, Personal Journal of General Grant & General Sheridan.)