Lt. Col. Rudy T. Schwanda, USMC (Ret.)

Lt. Colonel Rudy T. Schwanda, USMC (Retired), 79, of New Bern, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

Rudy was born on June 10, 1943, in Camden, New Jersey, to the late Rudolph and Marie Schwanda. Known for his outstanding dedication, Rudy’s military career with the United States Marine Corps was impeccable. His commissions included Naval Officer in Pensacola, Florida in 1965 and Marine Corps Officer in 1970. From 1967 through 1969 he was a Bombardier/Navigator, A-6 Intruder with the Aircraft Squadron 242 Vietnam. In 1968, he earned the Silver Star Medal for his service in Danang, Vietnam (Hanoi). With numerous hits to aircraft with successful missions and returns, he earned Air Medal(s) 27 Strike/Flight Awards in 1969, as well as the Vietnam Service Medal with eight, four-year tours in combat. Later earning the Navy Commendation Medal for Aircraft/Tactics/Intelligence Training which he did in Fort Meade, Maryland from 1969 through 1972.  Rudy’s highest honor is the third most prestigious award presented by the Department of Defense which is the Meritorious Service Medal. Of which, Rudy earned two, the first for his service at the Headquarters Marine Corps from 1978 to 1981; the second was for his endeavors with the Air Ground Museum, Planning/Organizing/Construction including fourteen exhibits at Quantico, Virginia from 1984 through 1988.

Rudy furthered his education at Mary Washington College where he earned his Bachelor of Liberal Studies in 1983. He earned numerous other medals and awards in a life of service to his fellow servicemen/women and country. Including the Certificate of Appreciation for Employment to the U.S. Government; for 33 years and 11 months of Service. As well as the Merit Award for his 50 years of Journalistic Achievement which was awarded to him in 1993.

It was in the early part of his military career that he met the love of his life, Yoko Ueda. They were married at the American Embassy in Tokyo, Japan on July 24, 1969. Rudy and Yoko were blessed with 53 years together before his passing.

In addition to his wife, Rudy is also survived by his son, Karl Schwanda and wife Nicole of Leesburg, Virginia, and granddaughters, Kendall and Khloe.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations in Havelock, NC.