David Russell (GC)

David Russell GC (30 March 1911 – February 1945) was a lance corporal with the 22nd (Motor) Battalion, New Zealand Infantry, 2nd NZEF, who was awarded the George Cross posthumously after being executed by German forces in Italy.

He worked as an orderly at Napier Hospital in Hawke's Bay before enlisting in the New Zealand Army in September 1939.

He was particularly active in the Ponte di Piave township and district between 22 and 28 February 1945 but was recaptured.

His George Cross is displayed at the QEII Army Memorial Museum, Waiouru, New Zealand.

[1] On 16 February 2008 New Zealand Police announced all the medals had been recovered as a result of a NZ$300,000 reward offered by Michael Ashcroft and Tom Sturgess.