Richard Wayne Suesens

Infobox Military Person
name = Richard Wayne Suesens
lived =birth date|1915|04|30 – death date and age|1943|11|01|1915|04|30
placeofbirth = Burlington, Iowa
placeofdeath = near Midway Island


caption =
nickname =
allegiance = United States of America
serviceyears = 1938–1942
rank = Lieutenant, Junior Grade
branch = United States Naval Reserve
unit = "Saratoga" (CV-3)
battles = World War II *Battle of Midway
awards = Navy Cross (posthumous)

Richard Wayne Suesens was born 30 April 1915 at Burlington, Iowa.

Navy career

"Suesens" enlisted in the Naval Reserve 31 May 1938. Appointed Aviation Cadet 4 October 1938 and commissioned ensign 15 October 1939, he reported for duty in Torpedo Squadron 3, on board USS Saratoga (CV-3) 20 November 1939.

Awarded the Navy Cross

Promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) 1 November 1941, he was killed in action during the Battle of Midway, June 1942. For his "extraordinary heroism" in pressing home his attack on Japanese naval units during that battle, despite "tremendous antiaircraft fire and overwhelming fighter opposition", Lieutenant (junior grade) "Suesens" was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously.

Namesake

USS Richard W. Suesens (DE-342) was named in his honor. She was laid down 1 November 1943 by the Consolidated Steel Co., Ltd., Orange, Texas; launched 11 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. R. W. Suesens, widow of "Lieutenant (junior grade) Suesens"; and commissioned 26 April 1944, Lt. Comdr. Milford McQuilkin in command.

References

* [http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/r6/richard_w_suesens.htm Richard Wayne Suesens]