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
Cloverdale, OregonClackamas, OregonWillamette National CemeteryHappy Valley, OregonUnited States of AmericaUnited States Marine CorpsColonelVMA 214VMFA 312Marine Aircraft Group 16World War IIBattle of OkinawaKorean WarVietnam WarNavy CrossLegion of MeritDistinguished Flying CrossBronze StarPurple HeartAir MedalLockheedPiasecki HelicopterNavy CrossesVMF-122GuadalcanalF4F WildcatcaptainMarine Fighting Squadron 312 (VMF-312)Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREEFOURTH Marine Aircraft WingMarine Fighter Squadron TWO HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-214)U.S.S. SICILY (CVE-118)Milwaukie, Oregon5/16 inch starCombat "V"Bronze Star MedalPurple Heart MedalNavy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalMarine Corps Expeditionary MedalAmerican Defense Service MedalAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory MedalNavy Occupation Service MedalNational Defense Service Medalservice starKorean Service MedalArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalVietnam Service MedalUnited Nations Korea MedalVietnam Campaign MedalStars and StripesThe Oregonian