MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2013 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Gollott, Tindell, Burton, Butler (38th), Carmichael, Fillingane, Kirby, Montgomery, Watson, Jackson (32nd)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PAYING TRIBUTE TO WORLD WAR II COMBAT VETERAN OSCAR RUSSELL OF BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR MEDAL.
WHEREAS, a South Mississippi World War II Veteran who landed at Omaha Beach in France during the D-Day Invasion in 1944 has received a high honor from the French government for his bravery 68 years ago. Oscar Russell, 88, of Biloxi, was a 21-year-old United States Navy Seaman when he arrived at the beaches of Normandy as part of the campaign to drive the Germans from France and destroy Adolph Hitler's regime. Dozens of men in the Higgins Landing Craft next to the one he arrived in were killed. Seaman Russell made it to the beach, where he stayed for 28 days, tirelessly rendering aid, moving bodies and helping as many members of the U.S. Armed Forces as he could; and
WHEREAS, at a ceremony at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby on August 15, 2012, Oscar Russell was presented with France's Legion of Honor Medal and received the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honor; and
WHEREAS, the Legion of Honor is designated by the French President to those who have served their country above and beyond the call of duty. The French Legion of Honor Medal was created in 1802 by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize those who have rendered eminent services to the Republic of France or who have demonstrated exceptional courage, bravery and a spirit of sacrifice beyond the ordinary, particularly in the military domain. Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the Republic of France; and
WHEREAS, "I just feel humbled," Russell said. "I'm glad the country appreciates me for trying to help protect the country, so people would be able to laugh and have friends and just enjoy life. It's the French showing an appreciation of the Americans driving the Germans out of France"; and
WHEREAS, during the D-Day Land Invasion, more than 100,000 troops poured onto French soil. The first wave landed at five sectors along the shore, code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. Many soldiers wading ashore were killed by the steady barrage of bullets which was a terrifying ordeal, as portrayed in the film "Saving Private Ryan," among others. The fighting was hard, especially on Omaha Beach where Seaman Russell was, as some estimated 3,000 Allied troops were killed or wounded. It's still unclear just how many died that day, as official death tolls vary greatly. Some say as many as 6,000 Allied troops were killed and wounded. By the end of the day, the Allied forces had a foothold. Once German counterattacks fizzled, troops hauled in supplies and Russell began taking care of the injured. Over the next couple of months, the reinforcements helped the invading forces move farther inland. When he left Europe, Russell went to the South Pacific and continued to fight; and
WHEREAS, after he finished his time in World War II, he went back to his native Mississippi and joined the Naval Reserves. He worked as a teacher and minister, and he and his wife Helen had two children and later were blessed with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He has inspired many members of his family, including his grandson, 1st Lieutenant Rodney Brock, who is with the 177th Armored Brigade of the 1st Army Division East; and
WHEREAS, experts say the nation is losing 1,000 war veterans, commonly referred to as the Greatest Generation, each day. All of these veterans are humble, as are many of the men who fought in the war, they were just doing their duty. Mississippians understand the costs of conflicts, because we have paid them in the past; and it is with great pride and humility that we recognize the heroic action of this great American and Mississippian, who was the guardian of civilization as we know it today:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby pay tribute to World War II Combat Veteran Oscar Russell of Biloxi, Mississippi, upon his receipt of the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French Consulate and commend this living veteran who served in combat operations in France, and extend the thanks of a grateful state to him and his family on this occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Oscar Russell, forwarded to the Mississippi Division of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.