Russell N. Jordahl

Russell Nelton Jordahl (September 21, 1903 – November 27, 1988) was a decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general. A Veteran of World War II, Korea and several expeditionary tours, Jordahl completed his career as commanding general, Landing Force Training Unit, Pacific.

Early career

Russell N. Jordahl was born on September 21, 1903, in Freeborn, Minnesota, as the son of Peter A. Jordahl and Amanda Thykeson. He grew up in Iowa and graduated from the high school in Monona in summer 1921. Jordahl subsequently attended the State University of Iowa in Iowa City for one year, before he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.

He graduated with bachelor's degree on June 3, 1926, and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Following the graduation, Jordahl was ordered to the Basic School at Philadelphia Navy Yard for basic officer training, which he completed in February 1927. He then served at the Marine Barracks Parris Island, South Carolina until March 1928, when he was sent to the Marine Corps Base San Diego, California and attached to the 2nd Marine Brigade. Jordahl embarked with that unit to Nicaragua one month later and took part in the combat operations against bandit forces under Augusto César Sandino.

Later career 1947–1951 Jordahl returned to the United States in July 1947 and joined the staff of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island under Major General Alfred H. Noble. He served as post inspector and assistant chief of staff for operations and training until March 1949, when he was appointed chief of staff of the depot.

Korean War

Following his arrival to Korea, Jordahl joined the staff of 1st Marine Division under Major General Gerald C. Thomas as Divisional Inspector and conducted several inspection trips to the forward areas for which he received his second Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V".

Jordahl held that assignment until September 1951, when he assumed command of 1st Combat Service Group (1st CSG). The 1st CSG served as 1st Marine Division reinforced logistical support and Jordahl commanded nearly 1,400 marines and navy medical personnel stationed at various points between Japan and Korea.

At Kobe, Japan, the support company of his command processed Marine drafts arriving and departing Korea. At Masan, the supply company of 1st CSG, requisitioned for the division those Class II and IV items peculiar to the Marine Corps needs and forwarded them upon request. Heavy maintenance of all technical equipment was performed by the Maintenance Company. Supporting the 1st Motor Transport Battalion operation was the Motor Transport Company, 1st CSG. Most of the group, including Headquarters Company, was based at Masan. Splinter detachment from the group also operated transport facilities at other locations in Korea. Jordahl remained in Korea until the end of June 1952 and received the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V".

1952–1958

Jordahl returned to the United States in July 1952 and joined again the Personnel Department at Headquarters Marine Corps. He served as assistant director of personnel and deputy to Major General Reginald H. Ridgely Jr. until August 1954, when he was promoted to brigadier general and ordered to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He assumed duty as chief of staff and deputy commander, Camp Lejeune under Major General Chesty Puller and also served as acting base commander following the retirement of General Puller on November 1, 1955.

Upon the arrival of new base commander, Major General Homer Litzenberg, on December 1, 1955, Jordahl resumed his duties as deputy commander and chief of staff of Camp Lejeune and held that command until July 1956.

Death

Following the retirement from the Marine Corps, Jordahl settled with his wife Edith MacDonald in California, where he died on November 27, 1988, in San Diego.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Brigadier General Russell N. Jordahl: