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Cenotaph record

Harry Russell

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On the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Major (Retd) Harry Russell MC .

Image may be subject to copyright restrictions. [email protected]

Identity

About

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  • Title
  • Forenames
    Harry AWMM
  • Surname
    Russell AWMM
  • Ingoa
  • Also known as
  • Service number
    • Korea 31084 AWMM
    • Vietnam 31084 AWMM
  • Gender
    Male AWMM
  • Iwi / Hapū / Waka / Rohe
  • Religion

Civilian life

About birth

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Service

Wars and conflicts

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Military decorations

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  • Medals and Awards
    • Military Cross (MC) AWMM
      18 March 1969 AWMM
      NZ Gazette Number 17 dated 27 March 1969 CITATION In late January 1969, Captain Russell was temporarily attached as an observer to B Troop, 3/4 Cavalry Regiment, 25th United States Infantry Division. On 2nd February 1969, near Go Dau Hau, Captain Russell displayed considerable gallantry in the face of a strong and well positioned enemy. His example, outstanding coolness and disregard for personal safety inspired B Troop to fight aggressively in a deteriorating situation. B Troop, mounted in armoured personnel carriers, was moved to reinforce C Troop, which had made contact with an estimated enemy regiment preparing to attack the town of Go Dau Hau. Advancing in line at last light, B Troop was engaged at short range by intense rocket and automatic weapons fire, resulting in twelve casualties and three carriers disabled. Two carriers on either side of the command carrier in which Captain Russell was riding caught fire. Captain Russell immediately took control of an unmanned machine gun and engaged emplacements and bunkers. Other guns being inoperative, Captain Russell’s prompt and resolute actions stabilized the situation and permitted the casualties to be evacuated. When a replacement machine gunner became available, Captain Russell leapt from the carrier and ran through heavy close range enemy fire and ammunition exploding in a nearby burning armoured personnel carrier to rescue and give first aid to a seriously wounded soldier. Captain Russell’s prompt action in going to the aid of the soldier undoubtedly contributed greatly to the saving of his life. Later, after B Troop withdrew to its night defensive perimeter, Captain Russell continued to exhibit complete calmness and initiative of a high order. Under fire, he organised the evacuation of further casualties and personally assisted in the loading of wounded into helicopters. Captain Russell’s repeated acts of gallantry over a five hour period on 2nd February 1969, contributed notably to the successful outcome of an important battle fought under difficult conditions. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit on himself and the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps. AWMM
    • Korea Medal (EIIR) AWMM
    • United Nations Medal for Korea AWMM
    • New Zealand Operational Service Medal AWMM
    • Vietnam Medal AWMM

Training and Enlistment

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  • Military training
  • Branch Trade Proficiency
    Tank Commander/Military Chamberlain
  • Enlistment
    Korea 1947 Chamberlain
  • Occupation before enlistment
  • Age on enlistment

Embarkations

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Prisoner of war

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  • Capture details
  • Days interned
  • Liberation date
  • Liberation Repatriation
  • POW liberation details
  • POW serial number

Medical history

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  • Medical notes

Last known rank

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Biographical information

Biographical information

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  • Attended Mimi Primary School and New Plymouth Boys' Hgh School.

    Died in New Plymouth. Read citation for MC. AWMM

Death

About death

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  • Death
    7 November 2018 Obituary
    Age 89 AWMM
    New Plymouth, Taranaki Obituary
  • Date of death
  • Age at death
  • Place of death
  • Cause of death
  • Death notes
  • Cemetery
  • Cemetery name
  • Grave reference
  • Obituary
  • Memorial name
  • Memorial reference

Memorials

Memorial

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  • Memorial name

Roll of Honour

Remember Harry Russell by laying a poppy.

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  • Rest in Peace Dad
    Public - Philippa - Child - 24 March 2022
    Report 

Sources

Sources

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  • External links
  • References
    • Subritsky, M. (Ed). (1995). The Vietnam scrapbook: The second ANZAC adventure. Papakura, N.Z.: Three Feathers Publishing Co. AWMM
    • Hall, C. (2014). No front line : inside stories of New Zealand's Vietnam War. Auckland, New Zealand : Penguin Books. AWMM
    • This record was created from data kindly provided by the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. AWMM
    • Nominal rolls - Nominal rolls embarkation K-force [Korea Nominal Roll], Archives New Zealand, Wellington, AAYS 8638 AD1/1433 (R22440250) AWMM
    • Chamberlain, H. (2013). The New Zealand Korea Roll : honouring those who served in the New Zealand Armed Forces in Korea, 1950-1957. Wellington, N.Z.: Author. AWMM

Contributors

Command item
Command item
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DateFirst namesLocationRelationshipContact
27 April 2022Hilary Mary-AnneWaitara, New ZealandChild
24 March 2022Philippa Auckland, New ZealandChild

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