Local News

Memorial honors the service of 98-year-old WWII veteran Russell "Huck" Hamler

October 2, 2022 / 7:10 AM EDT / CBS Pittsburgh

Veterans memorial dedicated to World War II Veteran

BALDWIN (KDKA) - A brand new veterans memorial was dedicated in Baldwin on Saturday in the name of 98-year-old Russell "Huck" Hamler.

During World War II, Hamler was part of a top-secret elite army unit known as "Merrill's Marauders."

Russell "Huck" Hamler, a WWII veteran honored for his bravery and service. KDKA Photojournalist Tim Lawson

Hamler volunteered for a dangerous mission behind enemy lines as part of the unit.

They took fire and he was trapped in a foxhole for 10 days. He survived but not all of his fellow soldiers had the same fate.

"The Army, those guys were ready to fight," Hamler said. "And they were ready to defend."

Hamiln received a Congressional Gold Medal, a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star for his bravery and service.

World War II

Patrick Damp

Patrick Damp is a web producer for CBS Pittsburgh. A Pittsburgh native who grew up watching KDKA-TV, Patrick studied journalism at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. After half a decade in sports communication, Patrick decided to pursue his dream of working in journalism in his hometown and joined the CBS Pittsburgh team in 2019.