Russell William Volckmann | |
|---|---|
 An image of then Col. Volckmann | |
| Born | October 23, 1911 Clinton, Iowa |
| Died | June 30, 1982 (aged 70) Iowa City, Iowa |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1934–1957 |
| Rank | Brigadier General |
| Battles / wars | World War II
Korean War Cold War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star (2) Army Commendation Medal[1] |
Russell William Volckmann (October 23, 1911 – June 30, 1982) was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, a U.S. Army infantry officer and a leader of the Philippine Commonwealth military and guerrilla resistance to the Japanese conquest of the Philippines during World War II.[2] After the war, he remained in the U.S. Army and helped create the U.S. Army Special Forces. Volckmann, together with Colonels Aaron Bank and Wendell Fertig are considered the founders of the U.S. Army Special Forces (the "Green Berets"). He eventually retired as a brigadier general.
- ^ Guardia 2010, p. 14.
- ^ Harkins 1956.