Colonel Kenneth L. Reusser, holds two awards of the Navy Cross, the first for his extraordinary heroism in World War II, the second for his extraordinary heroism in Korea. The first came while he was a Division Leader in Marine Fighting Squadron 312 in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, on 10 May 1945. After expending his ammunition on an enemy reconnaissance plan while flying on a 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 pilotís 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 Navel Service.

Col. Reusser joinded the Legion of Valor in 1975 and resides in Oregon.
View Col. Reusser’s Gold Star citation.