Silverthorn, Russell Lane Lt. Col. Russell Lane Silverthorn Iwo Jima Hero SOLANA BEACH -- United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Russell L. Silverthorn went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on June 29, 2013. Russ was born on April 27, 1922, and won his Purple Heart on Iwo Jima. He also fought in Okinawa, Korea and served with the Navy during the 6-day War. His father was the Assistant Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, winning the Navy Cross, Army Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal and various other decorations. His older brother retired as a Colonel in the Marine Corps, having won a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, three Navy Commendation Medals, as well as many other decorations. Russ' younger brother was a Captain in the Marine Corps and served in Korea. Russ' grandfather survived being shot through the chest at Gettysburg and went on to fight at Antietam and Spartanburg, before being captured and surviving the infamous prison at Andersonville. Russ' early ancestor came to America in 1742, and fought in the Revolutionary War. Russ married American Airlines flight attendant, Sarah Howard, on December 20, 1964. He took care of her the last 18 years of their 40-year marriage, when she had ovarian cancer, which resulted in hundreds of days in various hospitals and dozens of trips to the ER. Russ loved his wife almost as deeply as he loved Jesus. Russ was led to the Lord by his father in 1961. Russ served as an elder at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church and was a member of a Friday morning fellowship group and his church Saturday Men's Fellowship, the Freedom Years Bible Study class, Small Group and Prayer Team. Russ was a man of prayer and fervent Bible study. He started each day reading the Bible along with three devotional books and prayer. Russ walked 500 miles/year along the Del Mar, CA beach for 25 years. Russ visited dozens of people in hospitals and nursing homes. He prayed constantly during his phone conversations, by letter and in person. Russ' priorities in life were: #1 Jesus, #2 his wife Sarah, #3 the rest of his family, believers, and close friends, #4 other human beings, #5 work with the Fellowship Foundation, National Prayer Breakfast and San Diego Prayer Breakfast, #6 the United Sates Marine Corps, #7 his dog, and #8 golf. Russ grew up in Guam, Haiti, Hawaii, Chicago, San Diego, Long Beach, Quantico, VA and several other places. Russ went to 4 high schools and 5 colleges, earning his B.A. degree from the University of Maryland, where he was on the tennis team, and his Masters degree at San Diego State University. Russ was a good singer and dancer. and liked jazz, country & western, classical and big band music from the 1940s. Russ was an excellent encourager, golfer, boxer, poker player, and had a great sense of humor. Services will be held at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service. He will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.


Published in U-T San Diego from July 6 to July 7, 2013