In this Dec. 8, 2020, photo, a ramp is being build for Huntington Beach resident and WWII veteran Russ Paxson.
Sons of The American Legion Squadron 133 member Eric Bauer heard that a WWII veteran with limited mobility needed help getting in and out of his own home. In December, Bauer reached out to American Legion Post 133 in Huntington Beach to build a ramp for William R. “Russ” Paxson. Partnering with Home Depot for the materials, the Legion Family built a ramp for Paxson, who ended up passing away the following month.
William R. “Russ” Paxson, an Huntington Beach local and a 1939 Eagle Scout from Troop 1 in Huntington Beach, left college to join the war effort in 1943 and enlisted at the Santa Ana Army Air Base. After training in the B-25, his first choice was to fly the A-20, but he was then abruptly transferred to the C-47 to transport troops. After WW II , he was assigned to the “occupation forces” in Japan from 1945 through the end of 1947, where he flew the C-46. Retiring from the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1948, Russ remained a Captain in the reserves for several years.
William R. “Russ” Paxon
More on Russ Paxson from the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America
William R. “Russ” Paxson was born on June 20, 1921. As a young man of 11, Russ began his Scouting career when he joined Boy Scout Troop 1 in Huntington Beach in 1932. In 1939, Russ was one of 5 Troop 1 Scouts to earn the rank of Eagle with the Troop. He continued his association with Scouting and Troop 1 until his death.
After earning his Eagle rank, Russ attended Fullerton Junior College and the University of California at Berkeley but then left college to join the war effort in 1943 and enlisted at the Santa Ana Army Air Base, where he received his commission and wings as a pilot. After training in the B-25, his first choice was to fly the A-20, but he was then abruptly transferred to the C-47 to transport troops.
After WWII ended, he was assigned to the “occupation forces” in Japan from 1945 through the end of 1947, where he flew the C-46. Retiring from the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1948, Russ remained a Captain in the reserves for several years.
After the war, he returned to college and eventually earned his degree in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. After Berkeley, he joined The California Research Corporation, now known as Chevron Oil Field Research Company, where he worked until his retirement. Returning to Huntington Beach after the war and college, Russ continued his involvement with Scouting and Troop 1.
He served two stints as Scoutmaster, from 1948 to 1950 and then again from 1952 to 1960. He served as a member of the Troop 1 Committee for over 60 years, as Charter Organization Representative, as Advancement Chair, as Quartermaster and as Assistant Scoutmaster, as well as participating at the Pacifica District Level both as a member of and then Chair of the District Eagle Board.
Russ was the recipient of numerous Scouting and community awards. In 1973, he was awarded the Pacifica District Award of Merit and in 1976 he received the Silver Beaver Award.
In 2010, he was honored as the representative from the Orange County Council to the BSA 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership, which was an opportunity to honor someone who has served as a Scouting volunteer for the extraordinary difference they have made in the lives of others through their leadership.
In 1992, Russ was honored by the City of Huntington Beach and Troop 1 when the Lake Park Cabin was renamed the Paxson Cabin. In 2016, Russ was presented with the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the National Eagle Scout Association. And in 2017, wanting to recognize the efforts of Scouting volunteers, Pacifica District created the “Russ Paxson Legacy of Service Award”, and presented Russ with the inaugural award that year.
In addition to his involvement with Scouting, Russ was also active in other groups in the community. He was baptized at First Christian Church in 1931 and was an active member until his death. He joined the Huntington Beach Masonic Lodge #380 in 1969 and was raised to the level of Sublime Master Mason in June of 1970.
He was an avid fisherman and was a member of the Huntington Beach Fishing Club for many years. He was a member of the HB 4th of July Parade planning committee for many years and the City of Huntington Beach recognized his commitment to the community by twice naming him a Community Grand Marshal of the HB 4th of July Parade. Through his involvement in Scouting, Russ had a profound influence on the positive development of the youth in Orange County.
With his leadership and mentorship, he has shown thousands of Scouts what it means to live by the Scout Oath and Law. Whether teaching them to whip a rope, serving as a merit badge counselor, acting as an Eagle mentor, or sitting on an Eagle Board of Review, Russ impacted over 200 Troop 1 Eagle Scouts in his time with Troop 1. He has been a guiding force for Troop 1 Scouts, starting with their Investiture into Troop 1 at their first Court of Honor and ending by giving them their Eagle Charge at their last Eagle Court of Honor.
His passing will be deeply felt by the members of the Troop 1 family. May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us until we meet again.
