John W. Ruhsam Navy Cross citation

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS to

SECOND LIEUTENANT

JOHN WILLIAM RUHSAM

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS RESERVE

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant John William Ruhsam (MCSN: 0-30883), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Section Leader and a Pilot in Marine Fighting Squadron THREE HUNDRED TWENTY-THREE (VMF-323), Marine Air Group THIRTY-THREE (MAG-33), FOURTH Marine Aircraft Wing, in aerial combat against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands, on 4 May 1945. Flying on combat air patrol, Second Lieutenant Ruhsam signed an enemy bomber-type aircraft disappearing over the horizon and, giving chase with his wingman, encountered a Japanese force of approximately twenty-five suicide dive bombers headed for friendly shipping off Okinawa. Undaunted by the formidable array, he initiated an immediate attack and, alternating with his wingman, made repeated runs on the hostile formation to shoot down four of the enemy craft and damage three others, finally joining his wingman in scattering the remainder. His indomitable fighting spirit, courageous airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

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Born: 7 September 1922 in Albert Lea, Minn…. Also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross… Scored seven aerial victories during World War II… Retired in 1962 as colonel… Passed away 27 July 2009… Interred at Arlington National Cemetery