35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SGT Russell Walter Krill    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Charlie Company
1st Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment
Vietnam War

"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"
National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal


The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT Russell Walter Krill, who died in the service of his country on February 9th, 1968 in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Russell was 20 years of age. He was from San Jose, California. Russell is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 38E, Line 54.

The decorations earned by SGT Russell Walter Krill include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.

Buried in the Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery in Santa Clara, CA

(His BSV Citation)

General Orders 1104, Award Of The Bronze Star Medal For Heroism, 4th Infantry Division, 21 March 1968

For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Krill distinguished himself while serving as a Team Leader with C, 1/35th Infantry. On 9 February 1968, Company C was conducting a search and destroy operation a few miles west of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province. As the element crossed an open area, it was subjected to intense automatic and small arms fire. As Sergeant Krill directed his team's members to return fire, he maneuvered them to an area which provided protective covering while he remained in the open, providing sustained suppressive fire. During the movement, the enemy launched an intensive mortar barrage. Seeing of his men wounded and lying in the open, Sergeant Krill again exposed himself to the hostile fire to reach the injured man and move him to cover. The enemy forces then launched a ground assault, attempting to reach Sergeant Krill's position. Through his skillful direction and aggressive encouragement, the team successfully repelled the assault. As the enemy withdrew, Sergeant Krill was mortally wounded by a well-concealed enemy sniper. Sergeant Krill's outstanding leadership, concern for the welfare of his men, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.