Russell Francis Harney (1931 - 1986)

Born 16 Apr 1931 in Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts

Ancestors

Died 25 Mar 1986 at age 54 in Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina, USA

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Biography

RUSSELL FRANCIS HARNEY (1931-1986) Remember the daily news releases on the progress of the Vietnam War? For one year 1968/69 the preparation of those news releases was overseen by Naval Captain Russell F. Harney who was then assigned to Saigon. Recalling the experience later, Captain Harney said, "It would take me two years to tell you about those 365 days" -the extent of his tour in Vietnam. After his Far East assignment, he reported for duty in London as director of public affairs for the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe. In 1975, Captain Harney was assigned to Stuttgart, West Germany, where he was director of public affairs for all U.S. military in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. He determined policy for the 115,000-circulation European edition of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, three television networks and 100 military entertainment radio stations. He returned to Charleston, South Carolina in 1977, and retired from the Navy in 1978. He then became an editorial writer for The Evening Post, and was later named associate editor for the afternoon newspaper, and associate editor of The News and Courier.

Russell Harney was active in many civic and Navy organizations. He received the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Naval Commendation Medal and Combat Action Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with star, the Naval Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with star, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. The Republic of Vietnam awarded him it's Gallantry Cross and Civil Actions Medal.

Russell F. Harney was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on 16 April 1931, the son of Russell Anthony Harney and Anne M. Buckley. His father owned the family Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning business in that town. Russell F. married Catherine White of Baltimore, MD, "under the swords" at Annapolis, after graduating there in 1953. Catherine died in 1990 in South Carolina. They had four children. Russell F. Harney died in 1986, at age 54, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Sources

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