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<em>GABRIEL CALDWELL RUSSELL</em> was born near Louisville, Kentucky in 1913. He loved the people and countryside from which he came and reflected the gentility of these beginnings. While in high school he achieved scholastic and athletic honors. Before entering West Point, he attended Center College, belonged to Beta Theta Pi and was recognized for achievements in basketball, track and tennis.</p>
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Despite all his past laurels, he admitted that as a new plebe the aura of West Point overwhelmed him. Also, his naturally casual manner made adjustments to the rigors of the plebe system troublesome. But he soon perceived the fundamentals of “the system” and became a model of excellence—and ever a spoony file.</p>
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As plebe year progressed, his easy, warm manner brought him many close friendships. While back home he was “Caldwell”, his West Point name became “Gabe,” and so remained throughout his life.</p>
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Even before entering West Point, Gabe already had a strong interest in flying. His ambition was to be accepted by the Air Corps, hopefully to begin duty as a fighter pilot. He never changed this ambition, and all through his West Point years he loved to talk up its merits.</p>
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In his cadet years, Gabe was admired as a gifted athlete. Lean and wiry, all his movements on or off the court or field were with the agility and smoothness that only thoroughbreds have. He earned numerals in track three years, qualifying in all jump events. In basketball, beginning as a guard in plebe year, he earned numerals in each of three years and a monogram in his fourth season.</p>
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But it was in tennis that Gabe won his highest laurels—winning a major “A” while on the West Point team that won the Eastern Intercollegiate Championship in 1937. During this season he won the Singles Championship and shared the Doubles Championship in the final Intercollegiate Tournament. In his first class year, he captained the Tennis Team through a very successful season in which he was the main star. In addition, he was Corps table tennis champ in 1936 and 1937. In 1938 he was inducted into the prestigious Meadowbrook (Tennis) Club of Long Island. After graduation he added to his tennis laurels by winning tournaments in New York, Washington, and Louisville— and later at Randolph and Kelly Fields.</p>
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Remarking on Gabe’s characteristic ease of movement, one classmate said, “I was a little in awe of him. He did things so gracefully. Sometimes, on the way to the library, I’d stop by the tennis courts to enjoy watching him demolish an opponent—and then catch a glimpse of Cullum Hall to remind me of his grace on the dance floor.” Along with his gracefulness he was modest—always kind and considerate, ready with a helping hand.</p>
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Randolph and Kelly Fields, with the thrill of flying, were pure joy to Gabe. He mastered the art of flying readily. To celebrate his early proficiency, he took up new challenges: golf and poker. Soon he startled “old timers” by becoming a consistent winner in both.</p>
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His proficiency in the flying and employment of fighter aircraft earned him assignments to units having the latest aircraft fighters of our great World War II air armada. He developed a reputation for courage. He gladly took on tests that would put skill and endurance to the toughest tests, setting an example and proving the capabilities possible in plane and pilot. Classmates tell of his pressing these aircraft to their limits—almost tempting them into the then-unconquerable realm of mach speeds. His flying achievements earned him the highest regard from peers and superiors.</p>
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On 3 March 1943, Gabe flew his P-38 to Algiers, North Africa, to coordinate fightersupport for upcoming operations.That evening, he and fellow fighter pilot and classmate Carter Duncan were together for an enjoyable supper. The next morning, with his usual bright optimism, Gabe flew off to Casablanca. But he did not arrive. After much search, he was declared missing in action; and the circumstances of his loss have never been resolved.</p>
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Gabe was a part of a great tradition:a descendant of officers of the Revolutionary and later the American Wars; a member of the Society of Cincinnati; of splendid military accomplishment; of proven potential for the highest responsibility. He contributed to the strength of the corps— served the Air Corps with distinction—and in our hearts he honors ‘The Long Gray Line.”</p>
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<em>A Tentmate—with the help of other classmates</em></p>