Major Russell W. Buckhalt, Sr. was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 26-42, 30 June 1942. His first duty assignment was as a Platoon Leader, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division (European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre). | His subsequent duty assignments include: Company Commander, Alpha Company, 124th Infantry Regiment, Florida National Guard; Communications Officer, Headquarters, Combat Command “A”, 48th Armored Division. Major Buckhalt's military awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal for Heroic Conduct (Belgium 1945), Presidential Unit Citation, Distinguished Unit Badge (82nd Airborne Division), European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Medal w/ 3 Bronze Stars, American Theater Medal, Victory Medal, Belgium Fourragere, Dutch Militair Willems Order.