Russell R. Waesche

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Russell Randolph Waesche (January 6, 1886-October 17, 1946), He served as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1936 to 1946, overseeing the service during World War II.

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, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. As of 2005, he is the longest-serving Commandant.