Jesse Rutherford, Jr.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jesse Rutherford, Jr. | |
|---|---|
| January 12, 1922 – May 8, 1942 (aged 20) | |
| Place of birth | Salmon, Idaho |
| Place of death | Coral Sea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1941–1942 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Lexington (CV-2) |
| Battles/wars | World War II *Battle of the Coral Sea |
| Awards | Navy Cross (posthumous) |
Jesse Rutherford, Jr. was born 12 January 1922 in Salmon, Idaho.
Contents |
[edit] Marine Corps career
Rutherford enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps 14 July 1941. After undergoing basic training at San Diego, California, he reported to carrier Lexington 8 November 1941.
Private Rutherford was on board during the pivotal Battle of the Coral Sea, in which the Navy turned back the Japanese thrust toward Port Moresby and Australia. In this first great carrier action, during which neither force cited the other, American planes sank one Japanese carrier and damaged another; but, near the end of the battle, 8 May, Lexington was hit by two bombs and two torpedoes.
Rutherford, a fuse setter in a gun mount, was seriously injured in the attack; but he remained at his post. In the language of his citation, "although mortally wounded by the fragments of a bursting bomb, he displayed outstanding courage and a loyal determination to keep his gun in action despite his injured condition, and valiantly remained at his station setting fuses until he collapsed on the deck."
[edit] Awarded the Navy Cross
The stricken "Lady Lex" was finally sunk by friendly ships, and Private Rutherford was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism.
[edit] Namesake
USS Jesse Rutherford (DE-347) was named in his honor. She was laid down by Consolidated Steel Corp., Orange, Texas, 22 November 1943; launched 29 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Mary Rutherford, mother of Private Rutherford; and commissioned 31 May 1944, Lt. Comdr. B. M. Henry in command.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- This article includes text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.
