Russell W. Volckmann

Russell William Volckmann
An image of then Col. Volckmann
Born	(1911-10-23)October 23, 1911 Clinton, Iowa
Died	June 30, 1982(1982-06-30) (aged 70) Iowa City, Iowa
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army
Years of service	1934–1957
Rank	Brigadier General
Battles/wars	World War II Philippines campaign Battle of Bataan Military and Guerrilla Warfare, Luzon Korean War Cold War
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star (2) Army Commendation Medal[1]

Russell William Volckmann (October 23, 1911 – June 30, 1982) was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, a U.S. Army infantry officer and a leader of the Philippine Commonwealth military and guerrilla resistance to the Japanese conquest of the Philippines during World War II.^[2] After the war, he remained in the U.S. Army and helped create the U.S. Army Special Forces. Volckmann, together with Colonels Aaron Bank and Wendell Fertig are considered the founders of the U.S. Army Special Forces (the "Green Berets"). He eventually retired as a brigadier general.