Quick Facts
Biography
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.