Today, we honor the life and sacrifice of Lance Corporal Michael Lee Cruse, a brave U.S. Marine who gave his life in service to our country on this day in 1969 during the Vietnam War. He was just 19 years old.
A resident of Valley Station, Kentucky, LCpl Cruse served with unwavering commitment as a Machine Gunner (MOS 0331) with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force.
At the time of his death, LCpl Cruse was deployed in the Quang Nam Province of South Vietnam. His body was recovered, and his memory has been preserved with honor ever since.
Beginning his tour in Vietnam on June 23, 1968, LCpl Cruse’s service exemplified the courage and devotion of a Marine who upheld the values of honor, courage, and commitment to the very end.
LCpl Cruse’s service and sacrifice are permanently memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, at Panel W32, Line 77, and here at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
To learn more about LCpl Cruse and his service to our country, click here. To leave a tribute to him on the Wall of Faces, click here.
If you have any additional information, photos, or videos related to LCpl Cruse or any other Kentucky veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, we kindly invite you to share them with us here.
