From Clearfield, Pennsylvania, Russell Flegal entered the College in 1915 as a member of the class of 1918, pursuing a bachelor of philosophy degree. A popular student and enthusiastic musician, he was a member of the Union Philosophical Society, Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the Glee Club, and the Mandolin Club. 

By 1917 he seems to have been a part-time student, working in the summer of 1917 on a farm until he joined the United States Marines.  He trained at Parris Island, South Carolina and then served with the Sixth Regiment, USMC.   By February 1918, Flegal was in France.  He was gassed during combat in April and was wounded on July 18 during the battle of Chateau Thierry, for which he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre.  Russell Flegal was killed in action at Mount Blanche Ridge, near Chateau Thierry, on October 7, 1918.