Russell and Glen
Russell and Glen
by Kevin Davis 2024
Russell and Glen were the best of friends, from the small town of Sullivan,
They had so much in common — they farmed, and went to 4-H for fun.
At Sullivan High, they played football, strong and loyal through and through,
Both graduated in ’39, with peaceful dreams in view.
They worked their family farms, both planning for their days ahead,
Just twenty when, on December 7th, the news struck deep with dread.
At 1:30 that afternoon, the radio carried the awful sound —
Pearl Harbor was attacked — destruction and death all around.
Russell and Glen met up that night upon the town square’s stage,
With others near their age, to talk and temper rage.
Cool heads prevailed, and home they went, each family to consult,
To talk with loving parents and weigh the grave result.
They wished to fight, to serve their land, their hearts both bound and steady,
And after talking with their folks, they knew that they were ready.
They’d drive one hundred thirty-five miles to St. Louis side by side,
To stand before the Coast Guard desk — enlist with honest pride.
The recruiter, who was near their age, was eager to lend aid,
He told them of the Higgins boats and how their crews were made.
“If you complete the training,” he said, “you’ll be one of four —
To helm a craft that carries thirty-six men safely to shore.”
Their first stop would be Palm Beach for recruit training days,
Then on to Saint Augustine to learn the landing ways.
They set their induction date for January fourteenth, clear.
So, they could help at home and complete all they held dear.
On the road back home, the radio played the President’s vow —
His words of courage, passion, and duty echoed loud.
They met with family, said their prayers, and made their last goodbyes,
Their fathers drove them to St. Louis with strong hearts, tearful eyes.
As patriots, they swore their oaths — their country’s call obeyed,
And from the train to training camp, they stood as men remade.
Letters home kept bonds alive — in ink their love was spun,
Dreams of victory, of coming back, when the long war was done.
Together through boot camp they went, and through Higgins training too,
But separate ships, they soon would join — though their bond forever true.
Glen served aboard the Samuel Chase (APA-26),
While Russell is on the Joseph Dickman (APA-13) in the mix.
They landed troops and cargo bravely in North Africa’s fiery sand,
At Sicily and Salerno, too, they helped the soldiers land.
On D-Day’s dawn at Omaha Beach, they faced the roar and roar —
Each was a quiet hero there, the guiding men to the waiting shore.
Their final landings came in France, on the southern coast that year,
Their duty done, their courage shown, their service bright and clear.
In time, they each found love again — Glen wed his dear Maurine,
And Russell wed in Scotland fair, his heart to lovely Jeany.
Then home they came to Sullivan, where they had once been boys,
To build their lives and families and find their truest joys.
They were proud of all their service, though their memories stayed within,
Except when they saw each other — where stories could begin.
Glen became a harness racer, a trainer proud and true,
Raising a family of his own, two children that he knew.
Russell farmed and later banked, raised six with steady hands —
Our father, whom we honor now, whose legacy still stands.
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