Andrew Russell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the American Civil War photographer, see Andrew J. Russell.
Andrew Russell, a sergeant in the Australian Special Air Service was the first Australian soldier killed in action since the Vietnam War.
On February 16, 2002, Russell was travelling through southern Afghanistan with four other Australian soldiers as part of Operation Slipper, Australia's commitment to the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. Their patrol vehicle struck a landmine, seriously injuring the 33-year old. The four other soldiers rushed him to a nearby US military hospital, but he subsequently died of his wounds, leaving behind his wife Kylie and daughter Leisa.
There was some controversy surrounding the $37 000 compensation Kylie Russell was paid, as the spouse of a member of Australian parliament is paid $50 000 upon his or her death.
