Russell Bailey, originally a member of the class of 1946, left the Albany State College for Teachers to join the Army. After completing basic training at Camp Wheeler, Georgia, he joined the 36th Infantry Division in Anzio, Italy, in May 1944. Bailey participated in the invasion of Southern France, beginning in August 1944, but was captured by the Germans in September. He remained a prisoner of war until May 1945. Following his release, he received a Bronze Star and was discharged from the Army in October 1945. He returned to State and graduated in 1948.

Read more about Bailey in the Louis C. Jones Letters:

Letter of March 14, 1945