Thank you for a wonderful memorial for a very brave man. I'm sure, if he is like my husband
(also a WWII vet) he probably would have said
"I just did what had to be done". The Vet generation is very modest about what they did.
I'd like to see more stories about these real life heros!! While they are still alive to appreciate them.
Therese Abbenhaus

Russel didn't stop serving his country or his fellow soldiers after the war. When he left military service he joined the Veterans Administration and spent the rest of his life helping fellow veterans obtain their benefits. He held a unique position in the federal government. His job was to represent veterans and their families against the the government. It was the only position that I am aware of where the government hired men and women to fight against the government for the rights of vets under the laws governing veterans benefits. His title was veterans benefits counselor.

Russell also wrote a book about his time in the service. It is truly interesting reading. I have a signed copy.

Dear Larry;

This is one of the most powerful and moving stories that I have heard in the St. Louis area in a long time. I and my family have served this country for most of the nineteenth and twentyth century, as well as currently. I personally have just returned from Kosovo, and I wish that more people could remember T/Sgt Dunham. There is no doubt that this man was a true American hero. God bless him and keep him. And thank you for writing his story.

Thank You

Robert Terrio, SPC MOARNG

Larry I knew Russell Dunham very well. He was not only a hero but a great friend.

Mr. Conners,
Thank you for reporting on Mr. Dunham and writting the tribute to his life on your blog. So many seem to forget our veterans of the past wars and conflicts.

Mr. Conners,
Thank you for reporting on the death of Mr. Dunham and writting the blog on the life of Mr. Dunham. So many seem to forget the veterans of the past wars and conflicts.
Also, thank you for reporting on the new veterans' group in the St. Louis area for the soldiers who are returning.
Keep up the great work! I'm doing my little part of thanking those who served and lost their lives through an organization named "No Soldier Left Behind". It's just ladies throughout the US embroidering memorials, getting them framed and sending to the deceased soldiers family - we do this at our own expense and out of love.
Thank you again!

It is the brave warrior who fought to give us the very right to comment and express our appreciation for your acts of bravery and valor. We owe you and all of our brave soldiers our gratitude.

That is remarkable! WWII vets are now few and far between, but because "uncommon valor was a common virtue" their heroic stories will always live on. The hardships and sacrifices that WWII vets endured is astonishing and is a great historic representation of how magnificent our country is because of heroes like Mr. Dunham.

Thank you for your tribute for an American hero. T/Sgt Russell Dunham and Cpl Jack Swatzke were two of the original charter members of Russell Dunham Outpost 17, Society of the Third Infantry Division,a national veterans organization. I am currently the President of Outpost 17, which has members from five states in the Central Region. On behalf of the Outpost and the Society, I extend our appreciation for your kind words. We will never forget-- because of your effort, perhaps others will not soon forget.

ROCK OF THE MARNE

Thank you very much for reading my blog. I did know about Mr. Dunham's work as a Veteran's Counselor in St. Louis. We have posted your remarks.

Thanks for remembering these American hero's!!!!
Another hero who recieved the medal of honor has also passed away. Mr Ed Freeman of Boise Idaho recieved his medal for valor for a helicopter rescue in the IA Drang Valley in Vietnam on
11-14-1965. He passed away last week at age 80.

Hello Mr. Conners
I must say I have a good news story for you ! After my wife told me about a person who donates he artwork to her chairty (and many more ) and almost refusses to sale anything . I was alittle interrested in his work . Being the to true pessimistic person that I am , I looked into this man that gives his art away ! I must say I was so wrong about him . I would like to tell you more about his work if I may . I don't want to full you blog up to much .
Thank You ,
David
Here is my contact info email Dave.Landcaster@gmail.com

I never had the pleasure of knowing mr. Dunham, however i did read his book. His brother Floyde Dunham is a personal friend of mine and served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea.

Dear Mr. Conners
Thank you for the story about Mr. Dunham. I enjoy reading about men in battle and wonder what drives them to this level of combat and bravery.
As a vietnam vet. I served with Co. A 2nd BN/ 501st Inf. 101st Airborne Division. ('70-'71) I had the honor to work with a Medal Of Honor winner Joe R. Hooper. He had distinguished himself in a tour of duty in 1968. He was a staff sergeant at the time. When I worked with him in 1970-1971, he was a 2nd LT. I know what your thinking, "MOH don't go back into combat". True. But, you didn't know LT. Hooper. He loved his job as a soldier as much as he loved his country. I can speak for all of us whom work with him, We trusted him as our leader and followed him into battle as we did many times.
Joe Hooper died at an early age of a brain hemorrhage.
GOD speed to Mr Dunham and Joe.

Regards,
Danny