Colonel Robert W. Strauss 0-448104
Colonel Robert W. Strauss O-448104 United States Army, was born on May 13, 1920, in Malvern, Arkansas. He was the son of Max Harold Strauss and Lucie Doris Phillips Strauss. He attended the University of Arkansas and took part in ROTC receiving his commission as a lieutenant. He married Betty Lee Hewitt on September 27, 1942, in Hot Spring, Arkansas. On June 15, 1943 he was assigned as the 1st Company Commander of G Company, 253rd Infantry, 63rd Infantry Division. He would continue this role until June 14, 1944 when he would be transferred to 2nd Battalion Headquarters Company, 253rd Infantry, 63rd Infantry Division.
Captain Strauss earned his first Bronze Star Medal on February 17, 1945 when Captain Strauss led 2nd Battalion reserve forward when communication with the forward elements was lost. This act conducted in the face of intense enemy fire, stabilized the situation and secured 2nd Battalion’s position.
Captain Strauss earned his 2nd Bronze Star Medal on April 8, 1945 when Captain Angelo E. Pilla was wounded, Captain Robert W. Strauss of 2nd BN HQ Company rushed forward under continuous small arms and artillery fire to assume command of his friends company. Once he arrived he organized a defensive position enabling Easy Company, 253rd Infantry to hold their hard-won ground.
On April 10, 1945 Strauss was wounded in action. After the war Strauss stayed in the United States Army and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. Strauss died on January 23, 1974, at the age of 53, and was buried in Little Rock, Arkansas.
1- University of Arkansas 1941 Yearbook
2- University of Arkansas 1942 Yearbook
3- Northwest Arkansas Times Thu, May 28, 1942 ·Page 1
4- 63rd Division GO 102
5- 63rd Division GO 108
6- 63rd Division GO 244
7- 1930 United States Federal Census
8-1940 United States Federal Census
9- U.S., Veterans’ Gravesites, ca.1775-2019
10- Robert W Strauss gravestone
11- the Arkansas, Marriage Certificates, 1917-1972
12- 1943 – 1945 253rd Infantry morning reports
