She is gone

[Dirk]

Kind of a round about item of Marine Corps history, but I just read Brooke Astor passed away today at 105....she was the daughter of John Russell, Commandant of the Marine Corps and more importantly to me, he was Commander of the Marine Detachment at the Peking Legation 1910-1913. I posted this private photo in an earlier thread. I found it inside a photo album maintained by one of the Marine officers who served under Russell during his China years.....I sent a copy of this to Mrs. Astor's son last year, and he was nice enough to take time out to communicate with me and provide some nice stories about himself, his grandfather (the Commandant) and Mrs. Astor's time in China. She was the last person associated with the legation of those years who was still alive. Also I have been informed by others she was a great supporter of the Marine Corps historical activities so I am sure her loss will be felt by many. Here she is again c.1911-1912 with her dogs at the legation....she must have been a wonderful person to those who knew her.

[bobgee]

Dirk......Nice bit of history. I was not aware of the connection. Thanks for posting.

S/F.....Bob

[Dirk]

Bob: Thanks....she really was a great supporter of you guys...and I hope they honor her in some way...BTW her son served in the Corps during WWII.