Name: Russell Myers FERGUSON
Rank / Rating: RT3-Radio Technician Third Class
Service #: 819 66 55
DOB: Mar 24, 1923
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dewey
Went Aboard: Jun 13, 1945
Age When Ship Went Down: 22 years, 4 months, 6 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted:

Radio Technician Third Class Ferguson was born March 24, 1923, in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the firstborn and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dewey living on Brookside Road, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. His younger sister was in 5th grade in 1945.

At the age of 19 Russell registered for the draft on June 30, 1942. He listed his father as the person who would always know where he could be located. He listed his employment at Armstrong Cork but noted that he was a student. As a Marine Russell boarded Indianapolis June 13, 1945 - on board about six weeks before the tragic sinking. Russell was only 22 years old when he died. The night of the explosion most RT (radio technicians) were in the radio room trying to send out a distress signal. Most all were never seen in the water.

The Philadelphia INQUIRER newspaper on Saturday December 29, 1945 announced a Memorial Service 4:00 P M, Dedication of a Christian Flag in Memory of Russell Myers Ferguson, Radar Technician who lost his life on the Indianapolis July 30, 1945

The following is taken from the program for Russell's memorial service, held in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, December 30, 1945: "Life's race well run, Life's work well done, Life's crown well won, Now comes rest."