“Just letting you know that my husband, Cecil Martin Russ, passed away May 25, 2008 at home in DeBary, Florida. Am giving you a rundown on his Navy service: Enlisted in the U.S. Navy as Apprentice Seaman May 23, 1939, at the Naval Air Station, Opa Locka, Fl. Transferred to the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Fl, Sept. 15, 1940. During this term of service rose in rating to Aviation Machinist Mate, first class. Entered U.S. Navy flight schools Oct. 6, 1942. Schools included the University of Georgia, Naval Pilot Training at New Orleans, and Naval Pilot Training at Pensacola. Graduated from pilot training July 14, 1943, appointed rank of Ensign. Transferred to U.S. Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fl, for operational flight training. Assigned to the European War Theater 1944 to serve as second pilot in heavy, four-engine Bombers based at French Morocco, North Africa. *Bombing Squadron 111* reassigned from the European Theater to the Pacific War Theater. Served from December 1944 to July 1945. Participated in the war zones in the Pacific at Saipan, Tinian, Moratai, Ewo Jima, Philippines, Okinawa, Borneo. Appointed rank of Lieutenant (j.g.) USN. Returned to the U.S. to the Jacksonville Naval Air Station as flight instructor in twin-engine Beechcraft, July 1945. Presented U.S. Navy medals: Distinguished Flying Cross, three Air Medals and U.S. Navy Unit Commendation on December 1945 by Commander Weymouth. Discharged May 12, 1946 as flight instructor at Jacksonville and entered the Naval Reserve Service. After 3 years in college resigned the Naval Reserve. Total years service from enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1939 to the resignation in 1949 were 10 years: 7 years active duty and 3 years reserve duty.> Martin was very proud of his service in the Navy and he was buried in his uniform. Yes, he could still get in his uniform! Please remove his name from your mailing list. My heart is heavy, but I > know it is for the best. We are looking for the Lord to come back when we will be reunited.

Very sincerely

Corinne W. Russ
”