World War II Honoree

Russell O. Bedwell

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Sullivan, Indiana

Honored By

Wade S. Turner

Relationship

Friend

STAFF SERGEANT. HIGHLY DECORATED IN COMBAT, SERVED IN THE EUROPEAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS. HE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 32 AWARDS AND MEDALS INCLUDING THOSE AWARDED BY BELGIUM, THE NETHERLANDS AND FRANCE. HE EARNED THE SILVER STAR, 2 BRONZE STARS, 2 PURPLE HEARTS AND THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION. SERVED IN THE 82ND AIRBORNE AND 84TH INFANTRY DIVISIONS. HE WAS AN AIRBORNE PARATROOPER BEHIND GERMAN LINES AT NORMANDY, FRANCE (OPERATION OVERLORD) ON THE FIRST DAY OF OPERATIONS, 6 JUNE 1944.