Reiserer, Russell Lawrence

Date of birth:: October 22nd, 1919 (Chicago/Illinois, United States)
Date of death:: August 23rd, 2009 (Bend/Oregon, United States)
Buried on:: Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 7-11. Row: 24. Grave: 1.
Service number:: 0-112294
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2), U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: August 20th, 1944

"Fr extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Squadron TWO (VF-2), attached to the U.S.S. HORNET (CV-12), in action on 19 October 1944, while deployed over the Marianas Islands. After having completed his assigned mission, with his ammunition partly exhausted, Lieutenant Reiserer noticed the approach of a group of more than fifty enemy planes to a nearby field, and with fantastic odds against him turned into them, shooting down five enemy dive bombers in quick succession, the last with a single gun, and thus contributed materially to insure the safety of the fleet from heavy air attack. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0438

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant
Unit:: Fighting Squadron Two (VF-2), U.S.S. Hornet (CV-12), U.S. Navy

Sources

Photo 1: Bill Gonyo
- Sterner C.D., Recipients of The Navy Cross, 1916 - Present
- Home of Heroes