From the children of St. Ann School, 1967
While Russell was recovering, fourth graders at St. Ann School in Gloucester, Massachusetts wrote to him. The family still keeps the letters together.
LCpl Herbert Thompson to Russell, 1967
Thompson was hit while carrying Russell to the helicopter on Hill 861. Two months later he wrote to him from Naval Hospital Portsmouth, Virginia, crediting Russell for the Marines who made it: "you and only you was the fact that they made it OK."
Peg to Senator Ribicoff, 1971
Four years after Hill 861, Russell was a full time pre med student at UConn and his hip still had not healed. His wife Peg wrote to Senator Abraham Ribicoff asking for help getting him proper care.
Russell to Senator Dodd, 1986
One of the few times Russell put his wounds into his own words, writing to Senator Christopher Dodd. Senator Dodd's reply is included.