Russell was born in
Tacoma, Washington, the son of noted architect
Ambrose J. Russell and Loella Janet (Sargent) Russell. He attended DeKoven Hall School and graduated from
Stadium High School in 1918. He joined the
Merchant Marine as an ordinary seaman, before entering the
United States Naval Academy in 1922. He graduated, and was commissioned as
ensign, on 3 June 1926. He died in
Lakewood, Washington on April 14, 1996 at the age of 93. ==Decorations==