Johnston, Russel Mackay, LTJG

Russel Johnston enlisted in the Navy during his senior year of college. He attended officer training at Chicago University and was commissioned as an Ensign upon completion of the course. He then was an instructor there for three terms before volunteering for submarine service in 1943.
 
USS Bonefish (SS-223) was on a war patrol in the Sea of Japan with two other submarines. Her last communication was during a rendezvous on June 18th. Captured Japanese records indicate that a Japanese vessel was sunk on June 19th and that during an intense counterattack a submarine was sunk with all hands. It is presumed that this was the Bonefish. Lieutenant Junior Grade Johnston was officially declared dead 15 July 1946.

Service number: 186829

Navy Unit Commendation
For outstanding heroism in action during the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth War Patrols in enemy Japanese-controlled areas of the Pacific. Harassed continually and several times bombed by watchful and aggressive enemy aircraft, the USS Bonefish boldly penetrated the most forward combat areas to effect wide coverage of her assigned sectors and strike fiercely at important Japanese surface targets. Consistently ready for combat under the superb handling of her gallant officers and men, she defied heavy escort screens; she developed her contacts with determined aggressiveness and launched gunfire and torpedo attacks despite the severest hostile countermeasures to sink or damage many ships vital to the enemy's continued persecution of the war. In addition to her valiant combat achievements, the Bonefish rendered splendid lifeguard services during air strikes against hostile territory, effecting the rescue of two friendly pilots. Her outstanding record of success under the hazards and difficulties of prolonged patrols reflects the highest credit upon the Bonefish, her courageous, fighting ship's company and the United States Naval Service.