House commends Army official
The House of Representatives yesterday recognized the contributions of US Army Lt. Col. Scott Edward Rutter who helped the CNMI obtain formal recognition for the Marine Corps Scouts during World War II.
The resolution came a little over one year after the US government, on Jan. 31, 2000, recognized the service of local men from the Marine Corps Scouts by formally inducting, discharging and awarding them campaign medals.
Lt. Col. Rutter worked with the Assistant Secretary of the Navy’s Manpower and Reserve Affairs and the US Marine Corps Personnel Office to expeditiously process all of the applications for discharges.
The resolution also stated that he helped in the completion of the procedures to obtain both the Asia Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medals for the Marine Corps Scouts.
House Floor Leader Rep. Oscar M. Babauta, who authored the resolution, said Lt. Col. Rutter rendered invaluable assistance to the CNMI in resolving issues and providing awareness on the importance of the local residents to the US Armed Forces.
Mr. Babauta said Lt. Col. Rutter managed to do all these by coordinating memorial events and maintaining ongoing contact with active duty service members.
“This recognition of Lt. Col. Rutter is a testament to the true spirit of an outstanding leader committed to the selfless service of his home in the CNMI and the US,” House Resolution 12-122 stated.
The resolution was made on the premise of the formal recognition awarded to two groups of local men who served the US Military during the World War II.
The first group — Miguel Tenorio, Benedicto Taisacan and Cristino Dela Cruz — acted as guides who assisted the US Marines in offensive operations against the Japanese from June 19, 1944 to Sept. 2, 1945.
The second group of about 50 Chamorro men received military training in the Donnal area of central Saipan and were placed under the command of Lt. Casino of the 6th Provisional Military Police Battalion to accompany US Marines on active, combat-patrol activity from Aug. 19, 1945 to Sept. 2, 1945.
