A. G. Russell Knives, Inc.
1705 North Thompson Street Springdale, Arkansas 72764-1284
Phone 800-255-9034 or 501-751-7341 Fax 501-751-4520
e-mail: ag@agrussell.com

August 1998

Dear Friend;

We very much appreciate your business and believe that you will find many new and exciting items in this Fall 1998 catalog. This has been an exciting year to watch the knife industry change and develop. Many new knives and tools were introduced at the S.H.O.T. Show in January and at the Blade Show in June. The Blade Show is developing into a very important show for all aspects of the knife industry. There must have been 50 to 60 manufacturers' booths this year and 200 or so custom knifemakers and dealers. Many of the manufacturers introduced new product at this show, which is a bit unusual.

One of our friends has asked that we take note of the Metal Of Honor citation for Col Donald G. Cook, USMC. He was correct, this is a man you need to know about.

Rank and organization: Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam. Place and date: Vietnam, 31 December 1964 to 8 December, 1967. Entered Service at: Brooklyn, New York. Date and place of birth: 9 August 1934, Brooklyn New York. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while interned as a Prisoner of War by the Viet Cong in the Republic of Vietnam during the period 31 December 1964 to 8 December 1967. Despite the fact that by so doing he would bring about harsher treatment for himself, Colonel (then Captain) Cook established himself as the senior prisoner, even though in actuality he was not. Colonel Cook willingly and unselfishly put the interests of his comrades before that of his own well-being and, eventually, his life. Giving more needy men his medicine and drug allowance while constantly nursing them, he risked infection from contagious diseases while in a rapidly deteriorating state of health. This unselfish and exemplary conduct, coupled with his refusal to stray even the slightest from the Code of Conduct, earned him the deepest respect from not only his fellow prisoners, but his captors as well. Rather than negotiate for his own release or better treatment, he steadfastly frustrated attempts by the Viet Cong to break his indomitable spirit. Col. Cook continually refused cooperation with the enemy and tried to pass this same resolve to the men whose well-being he so closely associated himself. Knowing his refusals to cooperate would prevent his release prior to the end of the war, and also knowing his chances for prolonged survival would be small in the event of continued refusal, he chose nevertheless to adhere to a Code of Conduct far above that which could be expected. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death reflected the highest credit upon Colonel Cook, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.

All the best,

A. G. Russell

To take a look at our web page just go to http://www.agrussell.com If you send us an e-mail please include your address and zip, e-mail to ag@agrussell.com

All the best,

A.G. Russell

Copyright © A.G. Russell 2001. All rights reserved.