Buddy Russell

It was a beautiful morning in Heaven when our Hero passed.

The morning of June 25, 2022 Buddy Allen Russell, 76, peacefully passed away from a 2 month
battle with throat cancer. He passed at his home in farnnington, new mexico, with the love of
his life of 45 years sitting by his side.
Buddy spent most of his working life in the trees. He ran his own successful logging company
until he retired in 2007. He came to live with family in New Mexico in 2017. He was blessed
with a family that adores him. He was a a hard working, unselfish, loving man with the best
sense of humor. He was humble and so much fun to be with. His unconditional love is
something we will all miss.
Sergeant Buddy Russell was also a decorated Viet Nam war hero. As a Private, he received 9
various medals which includes a purple heart, a purple heart with oak leaf cluster, and the Army
commendation medal with "V" device for heroism. He was a very proud Army Veteran.
He is preceeded in death by both of his parents: Don and Louise Russell, his brothers: Gary and
Dale Russell and his sister Rose Schmidt.
He is survived by his loving wife Norma Russell, his sons: Brian Terneuzen (Sara) of Aztec, Nm,
Samuel Bloomfield NM, his daughters Camie Johns (Jack) of Farmington, Kelly Graham (Tim) of
Vernal utah. Buddy has 7 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren with one on the way.
He also has a small handful of Nieces who dearly loved their Uncle Buddy. Jennifer Barton, Cristi
Alonzo, Shawna Smith and Traci Chivington.
We will ALL forever cherish each and every memory of our Hero.


HEADQUARTERS
I FIELD FORCE VIETNAM
APO San Francisco 96350

GENERAL ORDERS 23 October 1967
NUMBER 829

AWARD OF THE ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL
WITH "V" DEVICE

1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced.
Russell, Buddy A US55876678 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS E3 United States Army
Battery C, 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery, APO San Francisco 96269.
Awarded: Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device
Date action: 21 August 1967
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: Heroism: On 21 August 1967, while serving as azimuth tracker on an M42 twin
40MM self-propelled gun, Private First Class Russell volunteered with the other
members of the M42 squad to go to the aid of an ambushed United States Marine
convoy. Private Russell's M42 was travelling on Highway 9 near the village of Thon Son
Lam, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, when it came under fire by an estimated
reinforced enemy company. The gun was isolated from other friendly forces in the area
and surrounded by the enemy. Private Russell, while exposed to enemy fire rapidly
assessed the situation and calmly began selecting targets as he swung his 40MM guns
slowly in a wide arc, pausing to engage automatic weapons and mortar positions as well
as advancing enemy troops. Although wounded in the back by shrapnel from an
exploding mortar round, Private Russell's immediate response and highly accurate
return fire resulted in a large number of enemy dead and permitted the safe withdawal
of his M42 from the ambush area. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest
traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the
United States Army.
Authority: By direction of the Secretary of the Army under the provisions of USARV