Myrtle Beach in Horry County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Major General Joseph J. Kruzel
After completing pilot training, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to the Far East. When World War II began, he flew P-40 fighter combat missions from bases in the Philippines, Northern Australia and Java against the Japanese Air Force.
He logged more than 175 combat hours flying against Japanese fighter aircraft and shot down at least one Japanese Zero.
In November 1943, he went to England where he flew the P-47 and P-51 fighter aircraft. During this combat tour in the European Theater, he shot down four German fighter aircraft which, coupled with the kill of the Japanese fighter, made him a World War II Fighter Ace.
Other important assignments carried out by General Kruzel included Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, and Director of Operations, Headquarters United States Air Force.
His military decorations include the Silver Star with two oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star Medal.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Valor in Aerial Operations series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1963.
Location. 33° 40.67′ N, 78° 54.771′ W. Marker is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in Horry County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Harrelson Boulevard and Jetport Road, on the right when traveling north. Located on the 4th hole of the Whispering Pines Golf Course. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Harrelson Blvd, Myrtle Beach SC 29577, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Colonel Franklin Harold Scott (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Francis S. Gabreski (approx. 0.2 miles away); Whispering Pines Golf Course (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Herbert E. Ross (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Richard (Rick) H. McDow (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Robert H. Reed (approx. 0.2 miles away); Major General Ervin C. Sharpe, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Michael G. Filliman (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Myrtle Beach.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2018, by Charles Keller of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 5 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2018, by Charles Keller of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2018, by Charles Keller of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.