USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc. - Remembering Russ Gilmore

Russ Gilmore's widow Marjorie is joined by sons Tom and Ray, and daughter Patti Folsom on a recent visit to Pier 1 in Middletown.
Russ Gilmore's widow Marjorie is joined by sons Tom and Ray, and daughter Patti Folsom on a recent visit to Pier 1 in Middletown.

In a recent press release we requested ideas from our supporters about an appropriate and permanent memorial to CDR Russell G. Gilmore, USN (Ret), Naval Aviator who passed away this spring. After discussions with his family, we all agreed the Veterans Lounge in our museum would be named in his honor.

The next time you visit the USS Saratoga Museum Store at the Rhode Island Mall, take a moment to stop by the Veterans Corner and view the preliminary tribute we are paying to this strong Saratoga Museum supporter.

Russ, an East Greenwich resident since 1965, served in the Navy from 1944 to 1969. During his flying career he landed on 21 different carriers; he also served in USS Wasp for two years and USS Lake Champlain for one year. He flew F8F Bearcats with fighter squadron VF-19, and later transitioned to jets on assignment with VX-2.

Shortly after learning of the effort to create the Air, Land & Sea Heritage and Technology Park at the former Quonset Point Naval Air Station, featuring USS Saratoga as the centerpiece, Russ called to volunteer his services. We welcomed him as one of the first members of our Advisory Council, and his unflagging support and encouragement helped us through the tough early days of our uphill campaign.

We will miss him.

-- Frank Lennon

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Last Updated:
9/29/01