Barton Russell was assigned to the 20th Fighter Group in July of 1937, and on 17 January 1943 he became its
Commanding Officer. A year later he was promoted to Colonel. Russell led the 29th overseas and flew 11 missions during his time in command. On 2 March 1944 he returned to the Zone of Interior.
Russell flew a P-38J, squadron code LCB, named Black Barney.
Awards received; Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Custer; Silver Star.