Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant [then Private First Class] Raymond F. Strojny (ASN: 31069497), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Troina, Sicily, in July 1943. When his platoon leader was killed in an attack upon the enemy, Sergeant Strojny, on his own initiative, assumed command and continued the assault. Although frequently fired upon from close range by enemy mortars, machine guns, and small arms, he skillfully led his men in the successful culmination of the attack. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    16th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 6, 1944
    Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 31 (July 1, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Staff Sergeant Raymond F. Strojny (ASN: 31069497), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Normandy, France, on 6 June 1944. When his company was pinned down by the heavy and intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Strojny, with complete disregard for his own safety, picked up a Bazooka from a wounded soldier who had been pierced by shrapnel. He then crossed the fire-swept beach and took up a position in a minefield within 250 yards of an enemy machine gun pillbox. He put the pillbox under his fire until his ammunition was exhausted. Braving the small arms fire that was being directed at him, he moved back across the beach to find more ammunition. Securing the ammunition, he again took up the same position and fired until he knocked out the pillbox. Staff Sergeant Strojny’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.