U.S.S. JESSE RUTHERFORD (DE-347)
The U.S.S. RUTHERFORD commemorates the Naval career of PRIVATE JESSE RUTHERFORD, JR., who was born in Salmon, Idaho, on January 12, 1922, and was killed in action aboard the U.S.S. LEXINGTON on May 8, 1942.
Private Rutherford enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Seattle, Washington on July 14, 1941, and served from July 16, 1941, at San Diego, California until he joined the U.S.S. LEXINGTON on November 8, 1941.
Private Rutherford was awarded the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal, 1941: the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, 1942: and the NAVY CROSS for service as set forth in the following citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and meritorious devotion to duty as fuse setter on a ship in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Battle of the Coral Sea on May 8, 1942. Although mortally wounded by the fragments of a bursting bomb, Private Rutherford, displaying outstanding courage and a loyal determination to keep his gun in action despite his injured condition, valiantly remained at his battle station setting fuses until he collapsed on the deck. His inspiring loyalty and utter disregard for his own life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country."
Next of kin: Mrs. Mary Rutherford, mother, 103 Evergreen St., Chanute, Kansas.
Full Name: Jesse Edward "alias Raymond Miller" Rutherford, Jr
Burial:Elmwood Cemetery, Chanute, Neosho County, Kansas.
Author: If you would like to read more about him and his family take this link.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=116451878
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