ROCKINGHAM - Richmond County is fortunate to be the residence of a gentleman named Russell Seitz, originally from Wisconsin. He served in World War II, first joining the U.S. Army at the age of 18, then training in Arizona, and transferring to Camp Mackall at the age of 19. There he served as a private with the final group of soldiers and a member of the U.S. Glider Troops before the gliders were replaced with helicopters during World War II.
On Tuesday, June 7, a special dedication ceremony was held at Camp Mackall, which is located in the northern part of Richmond County. During World War II, the camp was the primary airborne training site for glider infantry regiments as well as five airborne divisions. A large group of military personnel and invited guests present. Russell Seitz was one of those very special guests, and the Richmond Observer recently had an opportunity to visit with him to learn more about his experiences in World War II, as a private at Camp Mackall.
Part of the frame of the nose section of the Waco CG-4A Glider replica that was dedicated was from an actual glider that had crashed in a swampy area of the base during training. Today, Camp Mackall is home to training of the Army Special Operations Forces, including Special Forces, Civil Affairs and PSYOP.
As a member of the Airborne Engineer group, Seitz stated, “We were a brotherhood. The guys I worked with were the best bunch of men you could ask for. No matter what, we always had each other’s back. Your life depends on the guy next to you. If you ever got into a fight, you knew the Airborne was right there to support you.”
When asked about the gliders and the variety of nicknames (Gooney Bird, Tow Targets, Flying Coffins), he responded, “The gliders looked like flying coffins. There was no protection. We sat on a bench inside the glider. Once I leaned back and put my elbow through the side, leaving a hole there. They were made of canvas.”
Russell talked about the rigorous training he went through at the age of 18. “I played football in high school and I thought I was in good shape when I went into the Army. You feel you are invincible at that age, that you can do anything. Well, I got into better shape, that’s for sure! And I learned to follow an order. You did what you were told, and if you had a question or complaint, you said something later.”
One time Russell went to visit a cousin at Annapolis who was going through officer training. He saw the strict discipline that was part of the program and decided that he didn’t want to make the military a life-long career. He said that although he never got rank, he was still honored to have served his country during the war. During his time at Camp Mackall, Russell worked with a variety of talented individuals, including a man who was a playwright and actor, an artist that had worked for Walt Disney, and men who were developing infrared film. After World War II, he opened his own flooring company in Wisconsin, which was very successful.
Russell actually met his wife Edith Smith at a local drug store, while in the Army. He went in to buy some cough drops and they began talking. Well, he never got the cough drops, but they began their relationship and were happily married for 55 years before she passed away. They have a son, who has a PhD and teaches at the University of Missouri. His wife, a former opera singer, also teaches there. Russell’s daughter, who earned a PhD and was a teacher at the University of Indiana, recently passed away.
Russell shared some of his military memorabilia, including a round red patch with “UNITED STATES GLIDERTROOPS” with a special stitching designating the Engineer Group, as well as a patch with “AIRBORNE” across the top, a white glider in the center, and a parachute beneath it. He also had a silver pin with a glider in the center, surrounded by wings.
Even though Russell Seitz is in his early 90’s, you wouldn’t think it by looking at him or talking with him. He continues to be active in the community and enjoys living in Rockingham. It is important that we as Americans continue to show our gratitude, honor, and respect for the veterans of World War II, as they are few and far between.
