Russell R. Waesche

Russell Randolph Waesche (January 6, 1886-October 17, 1946). He served as the eighth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1936 to 1946, overseeing the service during World War II. He also holds the distinction of being the longest serving Commandant, serving ten years in command of the United States Coast Guard.

Waesche was born and raised in Thurmont, Maryland. Following graduation from high school, he attended Purdue University for a year before transferring to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service School of Instruction and accepting an appointment as a Revenue Cutter Service cadet in 1904.

From 1935 until his appointment as Commandant, Waesche served as an Aide to Commandant Harry G. Hamlet. Waesche died nine months after retiring as Commandant at his home in Leawood, Kansas due to complications of leukemia. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

References

• United States Coast Guard Biography