Kenneth L. Reusser Explained

Kenneth L. Reusser
Birth Date:27 January 1920
Placeofburial:Willamette National Cemetery, Happy Valley, Oregon, US
Birth Place:Cloverdale, Oregon, US
Death Place:Clackamas, Oregon, US
Allegiance:United States of America
Serviceyears:1941–1968
Rank: Colonel
Unit:VMA 214 "Black Sheep" Squadron
VMFA 312 "Checkerboards" Squadron
Commands:Marine Aircraft Group 16
Battles:World War II
  • Battle of Okinawa

Korean War
Vietnam War

Awards:Navy Cross (2)
Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Bronze Star (V Device)
Purple Heart (5)
Air Medal (18)
Laterwork:Lockheed Aircraft
Piasecki Helicopter Corp

Kenneth L. Reusser (January 27, 1920 – June 20, 2009) was a United States Marine Corps aviator who was considered the most decorated Marine Aviator, having flown 253 combat missions, earning 59 medals, including two Navy Crosses while flying in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He is the only aviator to survive being shot down in all three wars.

Early years

Reusser was born in 1920, the son of a minister. He enjoyed racing motorcycles, the winnings from which helped him to pay for college and eventually earn a pilot's license just prior to World War II.

World War II

Reusser first saw combat as part of VMF-122, assigned to Guadalcanal flying the F4F Wildcat. While assigned to the squadron, he was forced to ditch his aircraft in the Pacific after an encounter with the enemy. Injured severely, he was rescued by local islanders who nursed him until word could be passed and a recovery made.

Reusser served as a captain in Marine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312), where he earned his first Navy Cross:

His wingman was Robert R. Klingman "Story of Bob; drummer, pilot, legend" Defense Media Activity

Korean War

On August 5, 1950, Major Kenneth L. Reusser became the first Marine to be decorated for gallantry during the Korean War when he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of a second award of the Navy Cross for while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214), attached to the U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118), during an aerial attack on enemy targets in the Inch'on:

Vietnam

During the war Reusser served as commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 16. While leading a rescue mission, his Huey was shot down. He needed skin grafts over 35 percent of his body.

Retirement

After retiring as a colonel from the Marine Corps, Reusser resided in Milwaukie, Oregon. He worked for Lockheed Aircraft and the Piasecki Helicopter Corp. and was active in veterans' groups. Reusser died on June 20, 2009. He is survived by his first wife, Patricia, and his second wife, Gertrude; and sons, Richard C. and Kenneth L. Jr., and was preceded in death by his daughter Patty Jo.

Military decorations and awards

Reusser received the Navy Cross, the Navy and Marine Corps second highest military award, Twice.

He also received five purple hearts, having been shot down at least once in each of the three wars he flew combat missions in

BadgeNaval Aviator insignia
1st rowNavy Cross w/ one gold 5/16 inch starLegion of Merit w/ Combat "V" and one gold 5/16 inch starDistinguished Flying Cross and one gold 5/16 inch star
2nd rowPurple Heart Medal w/ 4 gold 5/16 inch starsAir Medal w/ 3 silver 5/16 inch stars and two gold 5/16 inch starsNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal w/ one gold 5/16 inch stars
3rd rowMarine Corps Expeditionary MedalAmerican Defense Service MedalAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
4th rowWorld War II Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalNational Defense Service Medal w/ one bronze service starKorean Service Medal
5th rowArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service MedalUnited Nations Korea MedalVietnam Campaign Medal

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kenneth L. Reusser. Military Times Valor Awards. Military Times. 26 October 2015.