Edward W. Rucker, Jr.
Fayette Lodge No. 47, Fayette, Missouri
Image courtesy of Anne Coulbourn Lunsford.
Edward W. Rucker, Jr. was born on 20 March, 1894 in Bosworth, Missouri, son of Edward Walter Rucker, Sr. and Mary Thomas Guillet.
At the age of 21, Bro. Rucker enlisted in the Missouri National Guard in Lebanon, MO, on 31 December, 1915. He listed his occupation as “Teacher”.
He was a Corporal in Company H, Lebanon, mustered into Federal service on 27, June, 1916.
Bro. Rucker became part of the First Pursuit Group, Air Service, which began operations in the Toul Sector in liaison with the VI French Army. They moved to the Marne Sector where it operated under the VIII French Army, from 1 July to 1 September, 1918. It again moved to the St. Mihiel-Verdun Sector, operating under the First American Army after 3 September to the end of the war.
He shipped out of New York in 26 February, 1918 as part of the 27th Aero Squadron, Signal Corps.
Lt. Rucker was assigned a Nieuport 28C, aircraft #18 (tail number unknown).
Note the square and compass to his right. Image courtesy of Anne Coulbourn Lunsford.
On 13 June, 1918 near Luneville, France:
Gorrell’s History – AEF Air Service - History of the Printing Shop of the Supply Section, pg. 81
He is credited with shooting down one enemy aircraft.
You can read more about Brother Rucker’s war experience here (pg. 25): https://issuu.com/themasonicsociety/docs/tms_19
On 11 December, 1918, Brother Rucker was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross along with 21 other officers and enlisted men. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm.[viii] Now Captain Rucker returned to his home town of Fayette, MO in early February, 1919 to the welcome of the whole town.
He was married to Mabel Elmore Rucker.
After the War he relocated to Oneonta and then Buffalo, New York, where he lived until the early 1940’s. On 4 February, 1942 he registered for the draft. He listed his residence in St. Louis, MO and his occupation at “Disabled and retired”.
Brother Rucker entered into the Celestial Lodge Above on 24 March, 1945, in Fayette, MO. He now rests in Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette.
Soft and safe, my brother, be thy resting place. Bright and glorious be thy rising from it.
Lest we forget…
Image courtesy of Anne Coulbourn Lunsford.
Image courtesy of Anne Coulbourn Lunsford.
Image courtesy of Anne Coulbourn Lunsford.