Russell Owen Tate

Lieutenant Colonel Russell O. Tate was born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1946 and graduated from Putnam City High School in 1964. A talented football player, he starred at Northeastern Oklahoma University and Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma). In 1968 he joined the US Marine Corps. An expert marksman, Tate completed sniper school and deployed to Vietnam as a scout sniper.

On 8 June 1969, while serving as a fire team leader with Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Tate’s team manned an ambush position approximately 250 meters from the company’s defensive perimeter. A ten-man North Vietnamese Army patrol approached their position. Tate and his team held their fire until an enemy soldier approached, mistakenly believing Tate was a fellow NVA soldier. Tate’s team then opened fire, triggering a fierce firefight that left three Marines wounded, including Tate.

Despite serious wounds, Tate continued directing effective fire against the enemy and helped repulse the attack. Refusing medical attention, he remained until his two wounded Marines were evacuated. During his Vietnam tour, Tate was wounded three times. His extraordinary courage and leadership earned him the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with “V” Device, and three Purple Hearts.  Other decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and Army Meritorious Service Medals.

After returning from Vietnam, Tate earned a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine with practices in Tulsa and Oklahoma City. In 1978 he joined the US Army Reserve and served with the 12th Special Forces Group, including command assignments with the 2nd and 3rd Battalions and 486th Cavalry Battalion. In 1996 he deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Lieutenant Colonel Tate died in 2022, leaving a legacy of courage, leadership, and service.