John Tyler Russell was born on May 21st, 1993 in Vancouver, Washington to Jim and Christy Russell. In high school, John was a dedicated student, a classically trained violinist, and a chess prodigy. He also played varsity football at quarterback and spent his free time training as an amateur fighter.

John was accepted into the United States Military Academy as a member of the Class of 2016 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and commissioned as an Infantry Officer with a branch detail to the Signal Corps. During his time at the Academy he was a member companies A-4 and C-1, a member of the West Point Boxing Team, and a leader in the Mixed Martial Arts Club. An exceptional athlete, he was a regular contender and frequent champion of brigade combative tournaments.

After completing the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Benning, John was assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division where he served as a Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. His soldiers remember him as a true leader who always put the needs of his men before his own and was never afraid to speak truth to his superiors. John deployed to Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment from August 2019 to August 2020.

John excelled at everything he put his mind to. He was known by his friends as fiercely loyal, exceptionally determined, and singularly focused. Those closest to him knew that despite his rough demeanor, he was deeply compassionate and regularly went out of his way to help those in need while avoiding any recognition for his work. John was a warrior and leader at heart and in practice and his presence will be sorely missed.