WWII Named VMSB-243 DFC/5x AM Uniform

[Jibber1941]

Staff Sergeant Robert Leroy Maurus was born March 10, 1922, at home in Rock Island, the son of Gustav Alois "Gus" and Minnie Grimmenga Maurus. Maurus would graduated from Rock Island High School in 1940 and then would enlist into the U.S. Marines 2 years later on November 11, 1942. Maurus would then go to Florida to train as an aerial gunner. After finishing training with his MOS as a Radio/Gunner, Maurus would then go to the Pacific Theater of Operations. SSGT Maurus would move from unit to unit but he served 14 months with VMSB-243 and was a tail gunner in a Douglas SBD Dauntless Dive bomber. Maurus would receive a Distinguished Flying Cross for intrepid actions against Japanese forces in aerial combat. He would also receive 5 Air Medals which is quite a lot for someone in the Marines, where they were not handed out as easily as the Air Force. During Maurus’ time overseas he would serve in 40 Strikes, 5 Missions, and 113.9 total hours in combat. Maurus would be discharged on October 8, 1945 with VMSB-932. Post war Maurus received his Bachelor of Music Education from Augustana College in 1949 and his Masters of Music from the University of Iowa in 1956. He would also go onto win the International Barbershop Championship in 1953 with his quartet The Vikings. He was also a vocal music educator and taught at United Township High School and with the Rock Island Public Schools for 25 years, retiring in 1983. Robert Maurus would pass away on October 14, 2005. Forever grateful to be the owner of this fantastic piece of history.

 

 

 

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[36thIDAlex]

Awesome tunic! I love seeing enlisted marine aviators and this is a great one.

[Military_Curator]

Great uniform and write up! That group picture is spot on.