Background
Willson, Russell was born on December 27, 1883 in Fredonia, New York, United States. Son of Sidney Louis and Lucy Fenton (Staats) Willson.
Willson, Russell was born on December 27, 1883 in Fredonia, New York, United States. Son of Sidney Louis and Lucy Fenton (Staats) Willson.
Student Massachusetts Institute Technology, 1901-1902. Bachelor of Science, United States Naval Academy, 1906. Student United States Naval War College, 1923-1924.
Lieutenant United States Navy deceased, 1945). Commissioned ensign, United States Navy, 1908, and advanced through the grades to rear admiral, 1939, vice admiral, 1942. Served on United States Ship New York at Vera Cruz, 1914, and later as flag lieutenant to admiral Mayo, Atlantic Fleet.
Organized and developed Code Signal Section, Navy Department, World War I. With 6th Battle Squadron of Grand Fleet at end of War.
Commanded destroyers at Greenland in connection with Army’s around-the-world flight.
Member Naval Mission to Brazil, 1927-1930. Naval attache American Embassy, London, 1937-1938. Commander Battleship Division One, United States Fleet, 1939-1940.
Superintendent United States Naval Academy, 1941.
Chief of staff United States Fleet, January 1942. Vice admiral, March 1942, and deputy commander-in-chief United States Fleet, October 1942.
Retired January 1943. Duty with Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1944-1946.
Now associate editor, “World Report”.
Member United States delegation at Dumbarton Oaks. Military advisor, San Francisco Conference.
Member Naval Mission to Brazil, 1927-1930. Member United States delegation at Dumbarton Oaks. Club: Chevy Chase.
Married Eunice Westcott, June 3, 1911. Children: Eunice Russell, Mary Westcott, Russell, Junior.