World War II Honoree

Russell Penning

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Saint Paul Park, Minnesota

Honored By

South Washington Heritage Society

Served in the 3rd Army, 9th Infantry Division, 15th Armored Infantry Battalion, Company B. He fought in the Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe Campaigns. He was involved in the Battle of Metz in September of 1944, was wounded in action and awarded a Purple Heart. Other medals and citations included were: Pistol Marksman, Combat Infantryman Badge, Rifle Sharpshooter, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal, and two overseas service bars. He received his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant on October 15, 1945.