World War II Honoree

Russell Simmons Wolfe II

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Orangeburg, South Carolina

Honored By

James O. Sweeny

Relationship

Classmate

HE ENTERED INTO ACTIVE DUTY IN THE U.S. ARMY ON FEBRUARY 11, 1942 AND WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 127TH INFANTRY, 32ND 'RED ARROW' DIVISION. SAILED FROM SAN FRANCISCO ON APRIL 22, 1942 AND ARRIVED IN AUSTRALIA ON MAY 14. TRAINED AT CAMP WOODSIE AND SANDY CREEK NEAR ADELAIDE. IN NOVEMBER 1942, WAS FLOWN TO THE BUNA AREA IN EASTERN NEW GUINEA. DURING THE BUNA OPERATIONS, HE LED A TEAM TO RECOVER BODIES FROM THE COMBAT AREA, FOR WHICH HE WAS AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR FOR EXEMPLARY CONDUCT. HAVING CONTRACTED MALARIA IN NEW GUINEA, HE DEPARTED THE THEATER ON JULY 12, 1944, ARRIVING IN THE STATES ON AUGUST 1, 1944. HE WAS DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY AS A CAPTAIN AT CAMP LIVINGSTON, LOUISIANA ON DECEMBER 22, 1945. EARNED THE PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN MEDAL, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, AND WWII VICTORY MEDAL.