Corporal John Ellsworth Russell was born on September 30, 1924, in Pedro, Lawrence County, Ohio, to Elza Alfred and Goldie Marie Ruggles Russell. He had one sister and completed a 7th-grade education. Details about his occupation before military service remain unknown. John married Hattie Russell, with whom he resided in Cincinnati, Ohio; information about their children is not available.

Corporal Russell served in Company B, 201st Engineer Battalion of the Kentucky National Guard. This unit, known as the “Kentucky Workhorse Battalion,” has a distinguished history dating back to its constitution on May 22, 1846, as the 1st Kentucky Cavalry and the 2nd Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Over the years, it underwent several reorganizations and redesignations, eventually becoming the 201st Engineer Battalion. 

Company B was based in Princeton, Caldwell County, Kentucky, and received federal recognition on March 1, 1951. The unit was activated for federal service on May 1, 1951, in response to the Korean War, departing for Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 24, 1951, for additional training. The battalion remained on active duty until May 1953.

Tragically, on February 15, 1952, Corporal Russell was involved in a fatal automobile accident near Oakdale, Monroe County, Wisconsin, on U.S. Highway 1216. The collision occurred around 5:45 a.m. when his car collided head-on with a truck. Investigations suggested that Russell may have fallen asleep at the wheel. He was alone in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Corporal Russell was laid to rest in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, Lawrence County, Ohio.

At the time of his death, Kentucky National Guard units, including the 201st Engineer Battalion, were activated for Korean War service. While many units were deployed overseas, some, like the 201st, were stationed stateside for training and support roles. The 623rd Field Artillery Battalion was among the Kentucky units that saw combat in Korea. 

Corporal Russell’s service with the 201st Engineer Battalion reflects the dedication and readiness of National Guard units during the Korean War era, contributing significantly to the nation’s military efforts.