Kenneth L. Reusser
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.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 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: During the war Reusser served as commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 16.He also received five purple hearts, having been shot down at least once in each of the three wars he flew combat missions in