Russell Sonju was a big-band-era trombone player, a reluctant war hero and a quiet humanitarian. He went into the army during World War II and was assigned to the 83rd Army Band. But when medics were needed to assist with the Normandy invasion, he left his musical instrument on the beach to help the wounded. He was awarded a Bronze Star. Later in life, he joined Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church and became a lay reader. He died in 1984 at the age of 62 and was buried in the churchyard.
Type of Marker: Ledger stone
Date of Marker (estimate): 20th Century
Material: Granite
Evaluation
Historic Integrity: Intact
Structural Integrity: Good
Material Integrity: Good
Legible Inscription: Good
Marker Details
Inventory Number: 424
Plot Number: 701
Cemetery Section: 8
Orientation: East
Marker Height/Length (in): 44.5
Marker Width (in): 26.5
Marker Thickness/Depth (in): 3