SGT Charles Vinson Russell

courtesy of SirromC

SGT Charles Vinson Russell was born in 1915 in Maryville, Tennessee. He was the youngest of the 9 children born to Issac J. and Amanda Frances (Jackson) Russell. Frances was Isaac's second wife and Charles had 6 older half-siblings. Isaac supported the family by farming but he died at the age of 70 in October 1930. By 1940 Charles an his brothers Paul and Luke were working for a local coal company each earning a reported 1939 income of $470.

Charles was drafted in November 1942. After basic military training he was sent to England. PFC Russell was transferred from the replacement depot to C Company 116th Infantry on 10 Jul 1944. He was injured on 25 Jul 1944 (non battle casualty) and evacuated to the hospital. PFC Russell returned to the unit on 25 Aug 1944. He was promoted to SGT on 11 Sep 1944. The unit was fighting in the attempt to liberate Brest and SGT Russell was wounded that same day. He died of his wound(s) later on 11 Sep 1944.

SGT Russell is buried in the Brittany American Cemetery.