Wayne W. Luse, was born 26 October 1919, on a farm by Kingsley, Iowa, to William A and Mattie A (Leinbaugh). He graduated from Strawberry Point, Iowa, in 1937. His siblings are Darold, Wilma, Melvin, Lois, Audrey, Janice, Lucille, William, Jr., Sylvan and Kenneth.
Wayne enlisted in the Navy in June of 1937. He trained at Great Lakes, and in Virginia in 1942. He was in Hawaii in October 1939 to October 1940, then re-enlisted in January 1942. Prewar he was stationed in San Diego and Hawaii. Wayne served three years in combat zones. He was in charge of guns and crews.
Served aboard the U.S.S. Dobbin, a Destroyer Tender, before the war. During the war, served on S.S. Santa Ana, a passenger Freighter, 1942; the S.S. John C. Fremont, a freighter, 1943; and the S.S. Marine Raven, a transport, 1945.
His crew received the Presidential Citation for “catching an Arab, stealing Garand Rifles. The ship was carrying Lend-Lease supplies for Russia and was anchored in the river between Iraq and Iran, at the time. Wayne traveled through and around about 50 different countries and Island groups.
My sister, set up a blind date with my future wife, Virginia Sanborn. We were married 46 years until her death in 1992.
Wayne married Virginia R. Sanborn on 25 May 1947, in Moville. To this union were born four children, William, James Cynthia and Rosalie, and they have two grandchildren. Wayne went to school on the G.I. Bill and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950. He became affiliated with the Farmers Mutual Insurance Association in Moville.
Wayne is a member of the American Legion.
Submitted by Wayne Luse.
