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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. William Rogers

Although manned aerial reconnaissance had been around in one form or another almost since man began engaging in combat, it wasn't until the late 1950's/early 1960's that such activity really came to the fore. At that time, Duane Russell took command of airborne operations supporting national intelligence collection requirements. His leadership, dedication, and guidance enabled his subordinates to perform their missions in an outstanding manner and earned untold kudos from a wide variety of government agencies. Flying under a cloak of great secrecy, these "Silent Warriors" manned their unarmed aircraft in areas around the globe and subjected themselves to hostile environments on a daily basis. Col. Russell led the way as the REM-45, RB-29. RB-50, C-130, EC-47, and RC-135 platforms responded to any and all tasking from multiple sources at the highest levels of government. During the Vietnam War, Col. Russell, seeing the need to provide intelligence to combat forces in a more timely manner, established an innovative approach to the basic missions which allowed needed data to flow directly to engaged forces. These procedures were the basis for the follow-on programs that are in place today. As validation of his accomplishments, Col. Russell's unit was awarded the highest honor that could be bestowed in the Intelligence Community by the National Security Agency (NSA) -the Travis Trophy. In a later honor ceremony in San Antonio, TX, Col. Russell was dubbed "The Father of Airborne Operations".