Leroy V. Grosshuesch

Colonel Leroy Victor Grosshuesch (May 6, 1920 – May 7, 2015) was a United States Air Force officer who served in World War II and the Vietnam War, achieving Flying ace status in the Pacific Theater with eight kills.

Biography Grosshuesch was born on 6 May 1920, in Menno, South Dakota. He graduated from Yankton High School and attended the University of Maryland.

Grosshuesch enlisted in the United States Army in January 1942 and was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps. In October 1942, he became an aviation cadet. He qualified as a pilot at Selma Army Airfield and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Forces on 28 July 1943. He was assigned to the 439th Fight Squadron at Dale Mabry Field converting to fly the P-47 Thunderbolt.

On 12 August, Grosshuesch made his eighth and final kill shooting down a Nakajima Ki-84.

After serving occupation duty in Japan, Grosshuesch returned to the U.S. in August 1946 and was assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron at Selfridge Field. In April 1947, he transferred to the 335th Fighter Squadron at Andrews Field and converted to the P-80 Shooting Star.

Decorations His decorations included the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross (2)