The base was originally established in December 1968 by the 1st Battalion 4th Marines approximately 3 km northwest of The Rockpile and just south of the DMZ.

On the same morning the PAVN also attacked Firebase Neville 10 km west of FSB Russell killing 14 Marines and Corpsmen.

[2][3] On 21 September 1969 as Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines was dismantling the firebase, an accidental fire spread to a store of artillery rounds forcing the immediate evacuation of the base.

On 22 September Company I, 3/4 Marines was landed at Russell to complete the destruction of the base which was done by exploding all remaining bunkers and munitions.

This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.