Charles Russell Durfee was born on September 27, 1918 in Morristown, South Dakota. Charles Russell is my (Michelle’s) great uncle.

Charles Russell was born to Aaron and Anna Hardy Durfee on September 18, 1918 in Morristown, South Dakota. He is the younger brother of Michelle’s grandmother Hazel Durfee Kellogg. I wrote about her here. Bud, as Aaron was called, was a shopkeeper when they lived in Morristown. The family moved to Reeder, North Dakota in the early 1920s. They ran a store there as well. Bud managed it and Anna did the bookkeeping. During World War II, they were working in Rapid City South Dakota. After the war, they moved to Wyoming and had a store in Sundance.

Military Service

Charles Russell registered for the draft in 1940. He went to Annapolis, Maryland to the Naval Academy. He joined the Marines and served the Pacific Theater. He was awarded the Navy cross for his service on Tarawa.

Getting a medal during the war.

He was awarded the Silver Star for his service on Saipan. Charles Russell Durfee was killed there on Jun 17, 1944. I found the following citation for that award.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Charles R. Durfee U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Sixth Marines, SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan, Marianas Islands, on 17 June 1944. Landing on Saipan in the face of terrific fire from Japanese guns, Captain Durfee quickly reorganized the units of his rifle company and advancing inland secured the beachhead in his sector.

When attacked by intense fire from enemy tanks and infantry, he effectively directed the defenses of this position and then led his company in an offensive against Hill 790, where he encountered a hostile emplacement that seriously affected the consolidation of his position. Personally directing the close range fire of his supporting tanks against the enemy troops in holes and caves, Captain Durfee was mortally wounded by Japanese fire. By his superb leadership and great personal valor, he had contributed materially to the success of a vital campaign. His daring initiative and heroic conduct were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

When we were in South Dakota earlier this year, we stopped by the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota and found Charles Russell Durfee’s grave.