Vernon Harold Kruse

Vernon Harold Kruse, a distinguished veteran and loving father to three sons, Richard, Thomas and Mark, is celebrated this day, December 9, 2023, for his exceptional service in the United States armed forces during World War II. Born in May 1919 in Grundy Center, Iowa, to Henry and Elizabeth Kruse, Vernon was the second youngest of eight children. Raised on a family farm reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz, his childhood was filled with the joys of rural life, including pigs, cows, chickens, corn fields, and scarecrows.
Vernon's journey into military service began when he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1941. He joined the Army-Air Force, later transitioning to the U.S. Army, where he served from October 1941 to February 1946. His military career took him through Officer's Candidate School in Miami, where he graduated as a Lieutenant and eventually rose to the rank of Captain. While his exploits as a young soldier in Miami Beach remain a curiosity to his sons, his dedication and service during World War II are well-documented.
As an administrative officer in the U.S. Army Air Force's 23rd Depot Repair Squadron, Second Air Depot Group, Captain Kruse played a crucial role in five of the six European Theater campaigns. These included Northern France, Southern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. His commitment to duty and exceptional service earned him three U.S. Army World War II Medals: the European African and Middle Eastern Campaign with a Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal.
After his honorable discharge in 1946, Vernon returned to civilian life and embarked on a career with IBM that spanned three decades. He worked as an account salesman in Sioux City, Iowa, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, before becoming the branch manager of IBM in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His career then took him to Chicago in 1960, where he worked on large-scale government and corporate computer systems. Throughout these years, Vernon's dedication extended beyond his professional life, as he actively participated in community organizations such as Rotary, the Masonic lodge, and the Elks Club.
In 1976, after serving as a senior management advisor representative, Vernon retired and made San Diego his home. Known for his love of singing, he continued to participate in choirs and maintained a close-knit relationship with his sons. Unfortunately, his life was cut short in 1981, at the age of 62, due to a long-term illness.
Today, we honor Captain Vernon Kruse, a member of the Greatest Generation, a patriot, and a devoted father. His plaque, installed at this magnificent Veteran's memorial park, stands as a testament to the courage, distinction, and unwavering service he offered to the United States of America. As we remember him, we salute the man who served his country with dedication, embodying the values of "Service to God, Country, and Family."