From West Point Association of Graduates Register:
26457 Louis Robert Sustersic
B-OH: Arty: 1/22Inf 4Div 67-69: KIA-Vietnam 3Nov69: Ob-May09
Louis Robert “Lou” Sustersic was born on 21 Sep 1943 in Blaine, OH, and was killed in action in Viet Nam on 3 Nov 1969. The son of Louis Edward and Joanne Sustersic, his siblings include an older sister, Joann, and a fraternal-twin brother, Edward. Lou graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1961. He ran cross country, was a drama club member, edited the high school yearbook, and was a member of the National Honor Society and class valedictorian. Lou developed a strong faith and work ethic. “He was very religious”, said brother Edward, but his spirituality came from his love of nature. Edward recalled fondly their many runs through the hills and woods. Nature gave Lou a great sense of awe, wonder and spiritual strength, but he often would run backwards to make sure that his brother was keeping up.
Lou Sustersic entered West Point in July 1961 but was turned back and joined the Class of 1966. His classmates recall him as quiet, religious, ramrod straight, physically fit—he spent long hours in the gym or on the cross country course—strongly committed to things he believed in and dependable; but neither introverted nor shy. He never talked ill of anyone or uttered profanity and was uncomfortable when someone told an off color joke. According to the 1966 Howitzer: “There were few Cadets with better military bearing and devotion to ideals than Lou.”
To classmate Pete Cecere, Lou was one of the most helpful people he knew. Regarding Plebe year he wrote, “I had just been chewed out royally by an upperclassman in Central Area as I tried to make my way ‘home’ to the 17th Division. Lou approached me and immediately shook my hand, introduced himself as my classmate, and volunteered his genuine help in dealing with my disciplinary issue.” Cecere added, “Lou was one of the most ‘straight-arrow’ of cadets. Polishing brass, shining shoes, working on military bearing, fulfilling the duty concept—all this was Lou. He was meant to be a soldier and a leader. If you ever had a problem, Lou was there with you.” Classmate John Boyd echoed, “I remember Lou as being very helpful. As a turn back, he could help us in ways ‘normal’ plebes couldn’t.”
Lou graduated from Airborne and Ranger school and in June 1967 began a series of tours in Viet Nam that lasted until his death in 1969. He was a forward observer with the 7th Armored Cavalry Regiments during his first year, receiving an Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He then switched branches to Infantry and joined the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division as a platoon leader and later a company commander. Sergeant Gary Woods, of Saline, MI, said, “He did everything straight, but sometimes he would do things that we just couldn’t believe. I mean, we would have just walked through the jungle for hours and were all exhausted, but at a break there would be CPT Sustersic doing push-ups or jumping jacks!” Woods added, “He was always there for you and really believed in what we were doing. I remember him saying on several occasions, ‘Sergeant, we have to stop Communist aggression’—he really believed it. He would do anything to help us. No one had more respect.” Woods has visited Lou’s gravesite several times in recent years to honor Lou’s memory.
As an Infantryman, Lou was a trusted soldier’s soldier. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and two Silver Stars. The first Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action as commanding officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, on 6 Oct 1969. One of Lou’s platoon leader’s was hit and could not continue. Lou took over and continued the unit’s sweeping operation. Near the end of the sweep, two enemy soldiers appeared. “Although he was in a vulnerable position, Captain Sustersic called [for] the enemy to surrender. [They answered with] a burst of fire. Reacting immediately, Captain Sustersic engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other.” Lou continued to redeploy his men when the wounded soldier grabbed his weapon and fired. Lou remained calm and eliminated the soldier. His second Silver Star was for a reconnaissance operation in the An Lao Valley. When enemy movement was detected, Lou deployed his men into a good defensive position and “... enabled his men to gain fire superiority over the enemy and resulted in the enemy sustaining heavy casualties and one man captured.” Unfortunately, the fire-fight cost Lou his life.
A few months before Lou’s death, he met classmate Bob Kesmodel, who was in Saigon awaiting orders. “Kes” inquired as to why on earth Lou wanted to stay in Viet Nam so long. Lou said, “I have learned a lot in my time here in the field. I believe that I can save a lot of young American lives using the knowledge and experience I have gained.”
Lou Sustersic was a soldier who cared deeply about his men. Those who knew him best understood that. No doubt there are many men alive today because of the aggressive, fearless and compassionate way he handled field situations. He is remembered as a leader by members of his unit who lived as he died, a calm devoted patriot; a true American hero.
His letters to his sister Joann and brother Edward revealed a curiosity about their lives but little of himself or his future dreams. What everyone agrees is that whatever he would have done in future years, he would have been there when people needed help. He was someone who would take a group of kids on a jog down a winding Ohio back road, running backwards to make sure that if a kid fell behind he would be there with encouragement and help.
—George T. Cox ’66, classmate and friend
http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26457/
Blaine Ohio is just 5 miles West of Wheeling WV, on I-70. Take Exit 220; get on Route 40 going East, for about a mile or two. At the bottom of the long hill, at small Post Office on the North side of the street, do a 180 degree left turn onto Pasco Road, right next to Rt. 40, and make the immediate right turn onto Blaine-Barton Rd. Linwood Cemetery is a short distance up the road on the left side; there is only one entrance. Go up to the maintenance house straight ahead and turn right; go to the end of the graves on the left, to where a road intersects on the left. Lou's grave is at the end of the 4th row on the left, next to the road.
Also, see 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry website:
http://1-22infantry.org/kia/sustersicpers.htm
26457 Louis Robert Sustersic
B-OH: Arty: 1/22Inf 4Div 67-69: KIA-Vietnam 3Nov69: Ob-May09
Louis Robert “Lou” Sustersic was born on 21 Sep 1943 in Blaine, OH, and was killed in action in Viet Nam on 3 Nov 1969. The son of Louis Edward and Joanne Sustersic, his siblings include an older sister, Joann, and a fraternal-twin brother, Edward. Lou graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1961. He ran cross country, was a drama club member, edited the high school yearbook, and was a member of the National Honor Society and class valedictorian. Lou developed a strong faith and work ethic. “He was very religious”, said brother Edward, but his spirituality came from his love of nature. Edward recalled fondly their many runs through the hills and woods. Nature gave Lou a great sense of awe, wonder and spiritual strength, but he often would run backwards to make sure that his brother was keeping up.
Lou Sustersic entered West Point in July 1961 but was turned back and joined the Class of 1966. His classmates recall him as quiet, religious, ramrod straight, physically fit—he spent long hours in the gym or on the cross country course—strongly committed to things he believed in and dependable; but neither introverted nor shy. He never talked ill of anyone or uttered profanity and was uncomfortable when someone told an off color joke. According to the 1966 Howitzer: “There were few Cadets with better military bearing and devotion to ideals than Lou.”
To classmate Pete Cecere, Lou was one of the most helpful people he knew. Regarding Plebe year he wrote, “I had just been chewed out royally by an upperclassman in Central Area as I tried to make my way ‘home’ to the 17th Division. Lou approached me and immediately shook my hand, introduced himself as my classmate, and volunteered his genuine help in dealing with my disciplinary issue.” Cecere added, “Lou was one of the most ‘straight-arrow’ of cadets. Polishing brass, shining shoes, working on military bearing, fulfilling the duty concept—all this was Lou. He was meant to be a soldier and a leader. If you ever had a problem, Lou was there with you.” Classmate John Boyd echoed, “I remember Lou as being very helpful. As a turn back, he could help us in ways ‘normal’ plebes couldn’t.”
Lou graduated from Airborne and Ranger school and in June 1967 began a series of tours in Viet Nam that lasted until his death in 1969. He was a forward observer with the 7th Armored Cavalry Regiments during his first year, receiving an Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He then switched branches to Infantry and joined the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division as a platoon leader and later a company commander. Sergeant Gary Woods, of Saline, MI, said, “He did everything straight, but sometimes he would do things that we just couldn’t believe. I mean, we would have just walked through the jungle for hours and were all exhausted, but at a break there would be CPT Sustersic doing push-ups or jumping jacks!” Woods added, “He was always there for you and really believed in what we were doing. I remember him saying on several occasions, ‘Sergeant, we have to stop Communist aggression’—he really believed it. He would do anything to help us. No one had more respect.” Woods has visited Lou’s gravesite several times in recent years to honor Lou’s memory.
As an Infantryman, Lou was a trusted soldier’s soldier. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and two Silver Stars. The first Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action as commanding officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, on 6 Oct 1969. One of Lou’s platoon leader’s was hit and could not continue. Lou took over and continued the unit’s sweeping operation. Near the end of the sweep, two enemy soldiers appeared. “Although he was in a vulnerable position, Captain Sustersic called [for] the enemy to surrender. [They answered with] a burst of fire. Reacting immediately, Captain Sustersic engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other.” Lou continued to redeploy his men when the wounded soldier grabbed his weapon and fired. Lou remained calm and eliminated the soldier. His second Silver Star was for a reconnaissance operation in the An Lao Valley. When enemy movement was detected, Lou deployed his men into a good defensive position and “... enabled his men to gain fire superiority over the enemy and resulted in the enemy sustaining heavy casualties and one man captured.” Unfortunately, the fire-fight cost Lou his life.
A few months before Lou’s death, he met classmate Bob Kesmodel, who was in Saigon awaiting orders. “Kes” inquired as to why on earth Lou wanted to stay in Viet Nam so long. Lou said, “I have learned a lot in my time here in the field. I believe that I can save a lot of young American lives using the knowledge and experience I have gained.”
Lou Sustersic was a soldier who cared deeply about his men. Those who knew him best understood that. No doubt there are many men alive today because of the aggressive, fearless and compassionate way he handled field situations. He is remembered as a leader by members of his unit who lived as he died, a calm devoted patriot; a true American hero.
His letters to his sister Joann and brother Edward revealed a curiosity about their lives but little of himself or his future dreams. What everyone agrees is that whatever he would have done in future years, he would have been there when people needed help. He was someone who would take a group of kids on a jog down a winding Ohio back road, running backwards to make sure that if a kid fell behind he would be there with encouragement and help.
—George T. Cox ’66, classmate and friend
http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26457/
Blaine Ohio is just 5 miles West of Wheeling WV, on I-70. Take Exit 220; get on Route 40 going East, for about a mile or two. At the bottom of the long hill, at small Post Office on the North side of the street, do a 180 degree left turn onto Pasco Road, right next to Rt. 40, and make the immediate right turn onto Blaine-Barton Rd. Linwood Cemetery is a short distance up the road on the left side; there is only one entrance. Go up to the maintenance house straight ahead and turn right; go to the end of the graves on the left, to where a road intersects on the left. Lou's grave is at the end of the 4th row on the left, next to the road.
Also, see 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry website:
http://1-22infantry.org/kia/sustersicpers.htm
From West Point Association of Graduates Register:
26457 Louis Robert Sustersic
B-OH: Arty: 1/22Inf 4Div 67-69: KIA-Vietnam 3Nov69: Ob-May09
Louis Robert “Lou” Sustersic was born on 21 Sep 1943 in Blaine, OH, and was killed in action in Viet Nam on 3 Nov 1969. The son of Louis Edward and Joanne Sustersic, his siblings include an older sister, Joann, and a fraternal-twin brother, Edward. Lou graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1961. He ran cross country, was a drama club member, edited the high school yearbook, and was a member of the National Honor Society and class valedictorian. Lou developed a strong faith and work ethic. “He was very religious”, said brother Edward, but his spirituality came from his love of nature. Edward recalled fondly their many runs through the hills and woods. Nature gave Lou a great sense of awe, wonder and spiritual strength, but he often would run backwards to make sure that his brother was keeping up.
Lou Sustersic entered West Point in July 1961 but was turned back and joined the Class of 1966. His classmates recall him as quiet, religious, ramrod straight, physically fit—he spent long hours in the gym or on the cross country course—strongly committed to things he believed in and dependable; but neither introverted nor shy. He never talked ill of anyone or uttered profanity and was uncomfortable when someone told an off color joke. According to the 1966 Howitzer: “There were few Cadets with better military bearing and devotion to ideals than Lou.”
To classmate Pete Cecere, Lou was one of the most helpful people he knew. Regarding Plebe year he wrote, “I had just been chewed out royally by an upperclassman in Central Area as I tried to make my way ‘home’ to the 17th Division. Lou approached me and immediately shook my hand, introduced himself as my classmate, and volunteered his genuine help in dealing with my disciplinary issue.” Cecere added, “Lou was one of the most ‘straight-arrow’ of cadets. Polishing brass, shining shoes, working on military bearing, fulfilling the duty concept—all this was Lou. He was meant to be a soldier and a leader. If you ever had a problem, Lou was there with you.” Classmate John Boyd echoed, “I remember Lou as being very helpful. As a turn back, he could help us in ways ‘normal’ plebes couldn’t.”
Lou graduated from Airborne and Ranger school and in June 1967 began a series of tours in Viet Nam that lasted until his death in 1969. He was a forward observer with the 7th Armored Cavalry Regiments during his first year, receiving an Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He then switched branches to Infantry and joined the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division as a platoon leader and later a company commander. Sergeant Gary Woods, of Saline, MI, said, “He did everything straight, but sometimes he would do things that we just couldn’t believe. I mean, we would have just walked through the jungle for hours and were all exhausted, but at a break there would be CPT Sustersic doing push-ups or jumping jacks!” Woods added, “He was always there for you and really believed in what we were doing. I remember him saying on several occasions, ‘Sergeant, we have to stop Communist aggression’—he really believed it. He would do anything to help us. No one had more respect.” Woods has visited Lou’s gravesite several times in recent years to honor Lou’s memory.
As an Infantryman, Lou was a trusted soldier’s soldier. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and two Silver Stars. The first Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action as commanding officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, on 6 Oct 1969. One of Lou’s platoon leader’s was hit and could not continue. Lou took over and continued the unit’s sweeping operation. Near the end of the sweep, two enemy soldiers appeared. “Although he was in a vulnerable position, Captain Sustersic called [for] the enemy to surrender. [They answered with] a burst of fire. Reacting immediately, Captain Sustersic engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other.” Lou continued to redeploy his men when the wounded soldier grabbed his weapon and fired. Lou remained calm and eliminated the soldier. His second Silver Star was for a reconnaissance operation in the An Lao Valley. When enemy movement was detected, Lou deployed his men into a good defensive position and “... enabled his men to gain fire superiority over the enemy and resulted in the enemy sustaining heavy casualties and one man captured.” Unfortunately, the fire-fight cost Lou his life.
A few months before Lou’s death, he met classmate Bob Kesmodel, who was in Saigon awaiting orders. “Kes” inquired as to why on earth Lou wanted to stay in Viet Nam so long. Lou said, “I have learned a lot in my time here in the field. I believe that I can save a lot of young American lives using the knowledge and experience I have gained.”
Lou Sustersic was a soldier who cared deeply about his men. Those who knew him best understood that. No doubt there are many men alive today because of the aggressive, fearless and compassionate way he handled field situations. He is remembered as a leader by members of his unit who lived as he died, a calm devoted patriot; a true American hero.
His letters to his sister Joann and brother Edward revealed a curiosity about their lives but little of himself or his future dreams. What everyone agrees is that whatever he would have done in future years, he would have been there when people needed help. He was someone who would take a group of kids on a jog down a winding Ohio back road, running backwards to make sure that if a kid fell behind he would be there with encouragement and help.
—George T. Cox ’66, classmate and friend
http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26457/
Blaine Ohio is just 5 miles West of Wheeling WV, on I-70. Take Exit 220; get on Route 40 going East, for about a mile or two. At the bottom of the long hill, at small Post Office on the North side of the street, do a 180 degree left turn onto Pasco Road, right next to Rt. 40, and make the immediate right turn onto Blaine-Barton Rd. Linwood Cemetery is a short distance up the road on the left side; there is only one entrance. Go up to the maintenance house straight ahead and turn right; go to the end of the graves on the left, to where a road intersects on the left. Lou's grave is at the end of the 4th row on the left, next to the road.
Also, see 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry website:
http://1-22infantry.org/kia/sustersicpers.htm
26457 Louis Robert Sustersic
B-OH: Arty: 1/22Inf 4Div 67-69: KIA-Vietnam 3Nov69: Ob-May09
Louis Robert “Lou” Sustersic was born on 21 Sep 1943 in Blaine, OH, and was killed in action in Viet Nam on 3 Nov 1969. The son of Louis Edward and Joanne Sustersic, his siblings include an older sister, Joann, and a fraternal-twin brother, Edward. Lou graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1961. He ran cross country, was a drama club member, edited the high school yearbook, and was a member of the National Honor Society and class valedictorian. Lou developed a strong faith and work ethic. “He was very religious”, said brother Edward, but his spirituality came from his love of nature. Edward recalled fondly their many runs through the hills and woods. Nature gave Lou a great sense of awe, wonder and spiritual strength, but he often would run backwards to make sure that his brother was keeping up.
Lou Sustersic entered West Point in July 1961 but was turned back and joined the Class of 1966. His classmates recall him as quiet, religious, ramrod straight, physically fit—he spent long hours in the gym or on the cross country course—strongly committed to things he believed in and dependable; but neither introverted nor shy. He never talked ill of anyone or uttered profanity and was uncomfortable when someone told an off color joke. According to the 1966 Howitzer: “There were few Cadets with better military bearing and devotion to ideals than Lou.”
To classmate Pete Cecere, Lou was one of the most helpful people he knew. Regarding Plebe year he wrote, “I had just been chewed out royally by an upperclassman in Central Area as I tried to make my way ‘home’ to the 17th Division. Lou approached me and immediately shook my hand, introduced himself as my classmate, and volunteered his genuine help in dealing with my disciplinary issue.” Cecere added, “Lou was one of the most ‘straight-arrow’ of cadets. Polishing brass, shining shoes, working on military bearing, fulfilling the duty concept—all this was Lou. He was meant to be a soldier and a leader. If you ever had a problem, Lou was there with you.” Classmate John Boyd echoed, “I remember Lou as being very helpful. As a turn back, he could help us in ways ‘normal’ plebes couldn’t.”
Lou graduated from Airborne and Ranger school and in June 1967 began a series of tours in Viet Nam that lasted until his death in 1969. He was a forward observer with the 7th Armored Cavalry Regiments during his first year, receiving an Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal. He then switched branches to Infantry and joined the 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division as a platoon leader and later a company commander. Sergeant Gary Woods, of Saline, MI, said, “He did everything straight, but sometimes he would do things that we just couldn’t believe. I mean, we would have just walked through the jungle for hours and were all exhausted, but at a break there would be CPT Sustersic doing push-ups or jumping jacks!” Woods added, “He was always there for you and really believed in what we were doing. I remember him saying on several occasions, ‘Sergeant, we have to stop Communist aggression’—he really believed it. He would do anything to help us. No one had more respect.” Woods has visited Lou’s gravesite several times in recent years to honor Lou’s memory.
As an Infantryman, Lou was a trusted soldier’s soldier. He was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart and two Silver Stars. The first Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action as commanding officer of Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, on 6 Oct 1969. One of Lou’s platoon leader’s was hit and could not continue. Lou took over and continued the unit’s sweeping operation. Near the end of the sweep, two enemy soldiers appeared. “Although he was in a vulnerable position, Captain Sustersic called [for] the enemy to surrender. [They answered with] a burst of fire. Reacting immediately, Captain Sustersic engaged the enemy, killing one and wounding the other.” Lou continued to redeploy his men when the wounded soldier grabbed his weapon and fired. Lou remained calm and eliminated the soldier. His second Silver Star was for a reconnaissance operation in the An Lao Valley. When enemy movement was detected, Lou deployed his men into a good defensive position and “... enabled his men to gain fire superiority over the enemy and resulted in the enemy sustaining heavy casualties and one man captured.” Unfortunately, the fire-fight cost Lou his life.
A few months before Lou’s death, he met classmate Bob Kesmodel, who was in Saigon awaiting orders. “Kes” inquired as to why on earth Lou wanted to stay in Viet Nam so long. Lou said, “I have learned a lot in my time here in the field. I believe that I can save a lot of young American lives using the knowledge and experience I have gained.”
Lou Sustersic was a soldier who cared deeply about his men. Those who knew him best understood that. No doubt there are many men alive today because of the aggressive, fearless and compassionate way he handled field situations. He is remembered as a leader by members of his unit who lived as he died, a calm devoted patriot; a true American hero.
His letters to his sister Joann and brother Edward revealed a curiosity about their lives but little of himself or his future dreams. What everyone agrees is that whatever he would have done in future years, he would have been there when people needed help. He was someone who would take a group of kids on a jog down a winding Ohio back road, running backwards to make sure that if a kid fell behind he would be there with encouragement and help.
—George T. Cox ’66, classmate and friend
http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/26457/
Blaine Ohio is just 5 miles West of Wheeling WV, on I-70. Take Exit 220; get on Route 40 going East, for about a mile or two. At the bottom of the long hill, at small Post Office on the North side of the street, do a 180 degree left turn onto Pasco Road, right next to Rt. 40, and make the immediate right turn onto Blaine-Barton Rd. Linwood Cemetery is a short distance up the road on the left side; there is only one entrance. Go up to the maintenance house straight ahead and turn right; go to the end of the graves on the left, to where a road intersects on the left. Lou's grave is at the end of the 4th row on the left, next to the road.
Also, see 1st Battalion 22nd Infantry website:
http://1-22infantry.org/kia/sustersicpers.htm
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