Briefing Document: Orval Lee Russell

Subject: Biographical Information on Orval Lee Russell

Date: October 26, 2023

Source Material: Excerpts from "Pasted Text" (provided)

Summary:

This document provides a biographical sketch of Orval Lee Russell, focusing primarily on his early life, family, and military enlistment. The information is drawn from census records, family history, and his military enlistment details.

Key Themes and Facts:

Birth and Family:

Orval Lee Russell was born on December 5, 1925, in Ranger, Eastland County, Texas.

His parents were Lola Dell Wolfe (born 1896, Wichita County, Kansas, died 1985, Cross Plains, Callahan County, Texas) and Charles Grimes Russell (born 1893, Perrin, Clinton County, Missouri, died 1940, Ranger, Eastland County, Texas).

At the time of Orval’s birth, his mother was 30 and his father was 32.

He had at least one brother and one sister, based on census data. The document doesn't provide specific names or their order in the family.

Early Life and Residence:

The Russell family lived in Ranger, Eastland County, Texas throughout Orval's childhood.

He appears in the 1930 census at age 4, the 1935 record, and the 1940 census at age 14 residing in the same location.

This indicates a stable living environment in Ranger throughout his childhood and adolescence.

Education and Extracurricular Activities:

Orval attended Ranger High School.

He was active in football.

He achieved Honor Roll status in 1941, indicating academic success.

Military Enlistment:

Orval L. Russell (asn-18243046) was a single white male.

He was born in Texas in 1925.

He was residing in Eastland County, Texas at the time of his enlistment.

He had one year of college education.

He enlisted into the U.S. Army as a private on August 2, 1943, from civilian life, at Dallas, Texas.

Key Quotes from Source Material:

"Orval Lee Russell born 5 December 1925 in Ranger, Eastland County, Texas to Lola Dell Wolfe (b. 1896 Wichita County, Kansas - d. 1985 Cross Plains, Callahan County, Texas) age 30 and Charles Grimes Russell (b. 1893 Perrin, Clinton County, Missouri - d. 1940 Ranger, Eastland County, Texas) age 32."

"1930 Census age 4 living in Ranger, Eastland County, Texas with his parents, a brother and a sister."

"1940 Census age 14 living in Ranger, JP2 Eastland County, Texas with his parents, a brother and a sister."

"Attended Ranger High School, active in football and made the Honor Roll in 1941."

"Orval L. Russell asn-18243046 a single white male born Texas in 1925 residing in Eastland County, Texas working with one year of college education enlisted from civilian life into the US Army as a private at Dallas, Texas on 2 August 1943."

Analysis & Implications:

The provided information paints a picture of a young man growing up in a small Texas town during the Great Depression and early World War II era.

His participation in high school sports and his academic success suggest an individual with a well-rounded background.

His enlistment in the Army in 1943 marks a significant life event, particularly as it occurred during a major global conflict. Further research would be needed to learn about his military service.

Further Research:

To gain a more complete picture of Orval Lee Russell, further research should focus on:

Military records to understand his service history and any battles or campaigns he may have participated in.

Family records to gather more information about his siblings and extended family.

Local historical societies to find more context about life in Ranger, Texas, during this period.

Conclusion:

This briefing document provides a foundation for understanding the early life of Orval Lee Russell, demonstrating key moments in his life, family, and education. The information sets the stage for further exploration of his life story and contributions.