Sgt. Russell Gray Is
Mentioned In The News
Several radio listeners in this section heard the name of a former Adams county boy, Sgt. Russell Gray, mentioned over the news from Des Moines last week. Sgt. Gray, son of Johnnie Gray of this community, was mentioned as being one of a group of six who showed exceptional bravery in silencing an enemy machine gun nest in Italy. Sgt. Gray is a paratrooper and went into service from Vinton, Iowa. He has been in the armed forces about three years.
Source: Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa, Thursday, December 30, 1943, Page 1
Russell Gray Reported “Missing In Action”
Wednesday morning relatives here received word from Mrs. Russell Gray at Roswell, New Mexico, stating that she had been informed by the War Department, that her husband is reported missing in action in Italy since May 21. Russell is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Gray, who recently moved to New Mexico. Russell was a paratrooper, had been wounded once in action and awarded the Purple Heart.
Source: Adams County Free Press, Corning, Iowa, Thursday, June 15, 1944, Page 1
Russell Lester Gray was born Jan. 2, 1918 to John E. and Grace Eva Farr Gray. He died May 21, 1944 and is buried in Florence American Cemetery, Impruneta, Italy.
Sgt. Gray served in World War II with the U.S. Army 2nd Special Service Regiment. He was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Sources: ancestry.com; abmc.gov
