Kenneth Alan Luse

Warrant Officer, U.S. Army

Kenneth Alan Luse was born on 15 May 1950.

On 29 November 1969, Warrant Officer Kenneth Alan Luse was serving with B Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, in Phuoc Long Province , South Vietnam.

On that day, WO Luse was killed when the helicopter he was flying as copilot crashed due to hostile action. His body was recovered.

Badge and Medals

Army Aviator Badge
Distinguished Flying Cross *
Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device (2 Awards)
Purple Heart
Air Medal (6 Awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

* Citation for Distinguished Flying Cross

Warrant Officer Kenneth A. Luse is posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight evidenced by voluntary action above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a co-pilot with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. He distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 29 November 1969, when his unit was on an Air Assault Mission. When his aircraft arrived near the landing zone, Warrant Officer Luse immediately began firing upon the enemy positions with his mini-gun and grenades so that the other helicopters could land the ground troops. While making one of his rocket runs, his aircraft came under heavy automatic weapons fire. Although wounded, Warrant Officer Luse, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, flew his aircraft back into the area in an attempt to engage the enemy position and mark it for the gunships. Warrant Officer Luse's effective marking and engagement of the enemy position enabled the gunships and Air Force jets to destroy the enemy positions. His outstanding flying ability and devotion to duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Honors

The name Kenneth A Luse is located on Panel 15W Line 006 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

Warrant Officer Luse is buried at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, IA.

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