Karl Rutz

Birthplace: Elmo, Kansas

Branch of Service: Army Air Corps

Unit: 534th Air Engineer Squadron of the 77th Air Service Group, 20th US Army Air Force

Theater of Operation: Pacific

Enlisted / Commissioned: Sep 26, 1942

Discharged: Jan 7, 1946

Highest Rank: Sergeant

Military Honors: Sergeant Rutz earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.

Honored By: Daughter, Donna Rutz Roberts

Karl W. Rutz enlisted in the United States Army Air Force at the age of 24 at Salina, Kansas. After Basic Training his first assignment was in Eagle Pass, Texas. Overseas duty with the 534th Air Engineer Squadron of the 77th Air Service Group took him to Hawaii, Guam, Saipan and Tinian working as a mechanic on B-29s, P-51s and repairing auxiliary power plants. While he was stationed on Tinian, the Enola Gay arrived on July 6, 1945, soon to be known for dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. In May 1945, the components of the bomb had been sent by cruiser to Tinian and in mid-July the fissionable material was flown into Tinian. Serving on Tinian during this part of history was a source of great pride. Sergeant Rutz earned the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. After honorable discharge on January 7, 1946, from Fort Logan, Colorado, he returned back home to Dayton, Kansas, to farm. Many in Abilene, Kansas, will remember him as their letter carrier. He retired from the United States Post Office after 26 years of service.