Russell S. Codman Jr.

Russell Sturgis Codman Jr. (June 15, 1896–June 24, 1992) was an American real estate executive who served as commissioner of the Boston Fire Department from 1946 to 1950. Early life and education Codman was born on June 15, 1896, in Milton, Massachusetts, to Russell Sturgis Codman and Anna Kneeland Crafts. He attended Noble and Greenough School, the Groton Academy, and Milton Academy and graduated from Harvard University in 1919. Military service In 1915, Codman served with the Massachusetts State Militia in the Mexican Border War. He attended the first Plattsburgh camp and when the United States entered World War I, Codman was sent to the 151st Depot Brigade at Fort Devens. On December 31, 1917, he was commissioned a first lieutenant and assigned to the Machine Gun Company of 74th Infantry. He was later attached to the headquarters of the 24th Infantry Division as an aide-de-camp to General Adrian Theodore Woodward. He was discharged on February 5, 1919. Business career After graduating, Codman worked in the banking and brokerage business before joining his father’s real estate firm, Codman served for many years as treasurer and director of Codman & Codman. He became the firm’s president in 1956 following the death of his brother, Charles R. Codman. Codman also served as president and director of Congress Street Safe Deposit Vaults.