Lealaialoa Fredrickus Michael Kruse (born January 27, 1948)[1] is the Chief Justice of the High Court of American Samoa.
Kruse made history as the first person of Samoan descent to be appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of American Samoa.
[3] Born in Utulei and raised in Leone, his early life was marked by diverse work experiences, including roles as a planter, hog farmer, construction laborer, delivery vendor, stevedore, carpenter, baker, retailer, warehouseman, and corporate officer.
[4] Kruse’s education began in Leone and continued in Apia, Western Samoa, before he attended high school in Auckland, New Zealand.
On November 1, 1988, Interior Secretary Donald P. Hodel appointed him Chief Justice, making Kruse the first Samoan to hold this position.