WWII: US ARMY, S/Sgt. Russell R. Farling, Born: 1 Jun 1915, BHS 1935, Enlistment: 3 Jun 1941, Died: 16 Aug 2002, Buried: Midland Memorial Gardens, Midland, Michigan.

Friends and relatives of Russell Farling, of Beaverton, have received letters the first of this week informing them that he is now stationed in Hawaii. Gladwin County Record 2/4/1942

In this week's mail is a welcome letter from Pvt. Russell Farling, former Beaverton boy who is now stationed at Hickam Field, Hawaii. Russ writes as follows: Dear Friends: I was sitting on my bunk the other evening wondering just what you folks back there in Michigan were doing and how, deep the snow was. My thoughts were suddenly interrupted when someone just outside the tent shouted "Mail Call!" That is one summons that even lure us out of chow line. I returned to my bunk with a couple of letters and the good old Record. There I remained until every word had been read. Naturally, my attention was first attracted by the letters and items written by other fellows who are in the service at various locations. After reading the Record through, I was under the impression that everything is about the same back there as when I left last June and that everybody seems to be digging their toes in all the way up to their knees in an effort to bring about that early victory. At the present time I am located at Hickam field which is just a short ways from Honolulu. I find this island to be just as one would expect it, except for the scarcity of grass skirts. I want to thank all of you folks for the gifts, Christmas cards and letters that I have received. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. Well, I'll be seeing you, but in the meantime—Aloha, Pvt. Russ Farling Gladwin County Record 2/18/1942

Mayor Cecil McKellar of Beaverton receives a letter from Pvt. Russell R. Farling who is stationed at Fort Shafter, Territory of Hawaii. Russell writes that a fish similar to a sun fish quite plentiful around these islands is the humahaumanukunukuapuaa. He writes—"For me I'll stick to trout it is easier said, how about it?" He adds, I wish you folks could see some of the beautiful flowers that are in bloom and have been 'since our arrival here, really I've never seen anything like them. Gladwin County Record 4/15/1942

New address for Pvt. Russell Farling is Co. K, 161 Infantry, APO 958, in care of the Postmaster, San Francisco, California. Gladwin County Record 4/29/1942

Russell Farling, former Beaverton boy, is now on active duty with Uncle Sam's forces in Hawaii. The picture above shows him sitting on the steps in front of the Mormon's Temple, one of Honolulu's famed beauty spots. Gladwin County Record 9/16/1942

Word has been received from Cpl. Russell R. Farling who is stationed somewhere in the Pacific war zone. He says, in part: "We have been in contact with the enemy, so we know what it's all about and we still are goingstrong. I enjoy the letters from home very much so keep on writing." We are not are liberty to divulge his address.Gladwin County Record 3/17/1943

Russell R. Farling, former Beaverton boy who is now with a U. S. infantry unit stationed on Guadalcanal, has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In a recent letter home Russell tells that he and three of his buddies went fishing for a couple of hours off the shore of Guadalcanal and came back with 19 tuna weighing an average of 15 pounds each. The fish caught were served to 150 men and there was enough for two meals. Gladwin County Record 6/23/1943

S/Sgt. Russell Farling was slightly wounded in the foot according to word received here by his father - Tom Farling of Grout Township - Gladwin, Michigan. Mr. Farling had already had word from Russell, himself, before the War Department's notification arrived. S/Sgt. Farling was wounded in Luzon, May 5th.

Sgt. Russell Farling , Reported as Wounded Sgt Russell Farling, son of Thomas H Farling of Gladwin, was among a group of 279 United States soldiers reported by the War Department this week as wounded in action in the Southwest Pacific area. No details of Russell's injuries were available. Gladwin County Record 9/22/1943

Staff Sgt. Russell R. Farling, of Gladwin, an infantry squad leader, has been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for courageous action through two South Pacific campaigns. Farling, son of T. H. Farling, of Gladwin, served with the 161st Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, through the battles of Guadalcanal and New Georgia, Solomon Islands. He was wounded by a Jap mortar shell fragment for which he has received the Purple Heart. He also wears the Good Conduct Medal, the American Defense Ribbon and the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two stars. His outfit, the 25th Infantry Division, aided materially in the defeat of the Japanese on Guadalcanal and New Georgia. Sergeant Farling entered the Army in June 1941 and was sent overseas in December of the same year. He is a graduate of Beaverton High School and the Hemphill Diesel Engineering School. Gladwin County Record 9/20/1944

S/Sgt. Russell Farling was slightly wounded in the foot according to word received here by his father, Tom Farling, of Grout township. Mr. Farling had already had word from Russell himself before the War Department's notification arrived. S/Sgt. Farling was wounded on Luzon, May 5. Gladwin County Record 5/30/1945