Summary: Transferred as a nucleus contingent into
newly commissioned VMF-112 (from VMF-111) on 1 March 1942.
Assigned as a corporal to maintenance department where he
became a plane captain on Espiritu Santos on F2A-2 Brewster
Buffaloes. Remained with VMF-112 until returning to States
in September of 1943 (as a Master Technical Sergeant). Following
WWII, selected for flight school as a Naval Aviation Pilot
(NAP). Graduated from flight school 2 July 1947 (NAP #129-47).
Served as a combat fighter pilot during the Korean War with
VMF-115 in F9F Panthers. Flew 53 combat missions during the
Korean War in 1952. Flew from four different aircraft carriers
in the Atlantic (USS Roosevelt, USS Tarawa, USS Wasp, and
USS Wright) during his aviation career. Personal military
awards include: Air Medal (2) and Good Conduct Medal (7).
Retired from the Marine Corps 20 September 1962 as a Sergeant
Major--the only Marine Corps Sergeant Major to ever hold the
designation of Naval Aviator. Post-Marine Corps career included
aircraft parts machining and woodworking business. Fully retired.
Enjoys traveling.
Current Address:
SgtMaj Kenneth Reigner, USMC (Ret)
518 E. Riviera Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282-5350
(480) 967-0971
Wife:
Hiroko Reigner