The passing of an American Hero and Marine Legend...Kenneth L. Reusser

nooshinjohn

Kenneth L. Reusser, the most decorated Marine aviator in history, passed away this weekend. With all the hype given the recent spate of celebrity deaths, I felt it appropriate to honor a man that is a part of the reason we can celebrate the freeedome we have in this country today.... Sadly his final years were mared by him being taken advantage of by those he trusted with his money, and lost nearly everything.


SEMPER FIDELIS Colonel Reusser and thank you for all you did for our nation. Rest in Peace.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/04/AR2009070402434.html

ESavinon

RIP. These are the heroes we should be looking up to.
Not to singing pedophiles and Steroid injecting "Game players"

nooshinjohn

Navy CrossAwarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Major Kenneth L. Reusser (MCSN: 0-11066), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations 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 Area of Korea, on 5 August 1950. As Flight Leader of a Combat Air Patrol assigned the mission of seeking targets of opportunity, Major Reusser led his flight in a strafing attack against a hostile factory, destroying several vehicles and 30 of the enemy in a truck despite intense and accurate hostile anti-aircraft fire. Suspecting that the strong defenses protected vehicles of war, he ordered his flight to orbit the target at 3000 feet while he investigated the factory at window-level and, on his second pass made in the face of automatic fire coming from the windows, discovered that the factory was a vehicle and tank assembly plant. With both wings of his plane damaged by anti-aircraft fire, he flew back to the U.S.S. SICILY and returned to the target with napalm and rockets, destroying the plant with napalm and blasting six completed enemy tanks and four trucks in the factory courtyard in spite of accurate anti-aircraft fire. This mission completed, he led his flight into the heavily fortified Inch'on Harbor and destroyed a large oil storage tank. Determined to inflict the greatest possible damage on the enemy even though his heavy ordinance was expended, he dived to within ten feet of a camouflaged oil tanker and raked the hull with his 20-mm guns, causing an explosion which not only destroyed the enemy ship, but also damaged his own craft and blew it out of control. Successful in returning his crippled plane to carrier base, Major Reusser, by his gallant fighting spirit, courage and devotion to duty, upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 124 (March 5, 1951)


Navy CrossAwarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Kenneth L. Reusser (MCSN: 0-11066), United States Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Division Leader and Pilot of a Fighter Plane in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWELVE (VMF-312), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 10 May 1945. After expending his ammunition on an enemy reconnaissance plane while flying on combat air patrol, Captain Reusser skillfully maneuvered his plane to enable a friendly aircraft to make a close-range attack. When the guns of his wingman failed, he flew with his wingtip obstructing the Japanese pilot's evasionary tactics and, by allowing the wingman the opportunity of running his propeller over the tail surface of the hostile ship, contributed in large measure to the eventual crash of the enemy craft. His superb airmanship, perseverance and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Service: Marine Corps Reserve
Rank: Captain
SPOT AWARD, Commander, Amphibious Forces, Pacific: Serial 00698 (SofN Signed November 14, 1947)

.... It is my not so humble opinion that this Marine deserved the Congressional Medal of Honor.


John

F1nut

The guy had a BIG brass pair. RIP

snow

RIP Colonel



REGARDS SNOW

kawizx9r

Ooh rah

greymatter

RIP

Sherardp

RIP Marine. Semper Fi

obieone

Rest in Peace sir.

That dude tore up some **** in his day. GOOD for him.

danz1906

R.i.p.

AudioGenics

honor, courage, commitment...rest in peace

hearingimpared

R I P Kenneth L. Reusser may we never forget you.

apphd

ESavinon wrote: »

RIP. These are the heroes we should be looking up to.
Not to singing pedophiles and Steroid injecting "Game players"

As General McArthur said:
"The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."



R.I.P. Kenneth L. Reusser

edit: Not sure how the thumbs down got in my post. it was NOT intended at all can't rmove it

tom t

R.I.P Kenneth l. Reusser. a true hero. you are at peace now and forever

nooshinjohn

Just a bump because this Marine has earned it.