Russell, Francis S. K.

Died: 1857-01-31

Russell attended the United States Military Academy from July 1841 to July 1843. When the Mexican War began, he volunteered for military service. In May 1846, Russell received a commission into the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the newly created Mounted Riflemen under the command of Persifor F. Smith. Russell participated in General Winfield Scott's expedition from Veracruz to Mexico City. He distinguished himself in several engagements, most notably at Chapultepec, where he was wounded. He was breveted first lieutenant for his gallant and meritorious conduct at Chapultepec. In May 1848, he received promotion to first lieutenant. Russell remained with the Mounted Rifleman, engaging in garrison duty at various outposts in the American Southwest. In May 1852, the War Department dismissed him from the army.

Wm. Hugh Robarts, Mexican War Veterans: A Complete Roster of the Regular and Volunteer Troops in the War Between the United States and Mexico, From 1846 to 1848 (Washington, DC: Brentano's, 1887), 13; Francis B. Heitman, Historical Register and Dictionary of the United States Army (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1903), 1:853.