Raymond Carl Strom
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
STROM, Raymond Carl
Raymond Carl Strom was born on June 22nd 1923 in Chisholm, Minnesota.
Mr. Strom entered the U.S. Army on September 5th 1943 during WWII at Fort Snelling in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Home at entry: Hibbing, Minnesota.
He served as a platoon guide with Company G of the 12th Infantry Regiment of the Fourth Infantry Division on Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was wounded in action on April 6, 1945, in the European Theater of Operation. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSGT).
SGT Strom earned the following merits for his service:
- Silver Star Medal,
- Bronze Star Medal,
- Purple Heart,
- Combat Infantryman Badge,
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 5 bronze battle stars,
- World War II Victory Medal, -and-
- two overseas service bars.
Citation (in part) for award of the Silver Star: "...For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Hurtgen, Germany, 10 November to 13 November 1944. While Sergeant Strom's company was virtually isolated by an enemy counterattack, he capably manned his weapon until ammunition was exhausted. He then moved from one position to another during a strong mortar and artillery bombardment, in order to collect all the available munitions.
"Exposing himself further, Sergeant Strom carried casualties to a point at which they could receive first aid. After the siege reached its third day, hostile tanks advanced to points within fifty yards and delivered heavy fire upon their positions.
"One man was seriously wounded by this action. Crawling forward under undiminished fire, Sergeant Strom administered to the casualty, probably saving his life. When friendly troops finally opened a narrow evacuation route, Sergeant Strom, although approaching exhaustion, staunchly carried a wounded man to a medical installation. After receiving rations, he rejoined his unit in a new defensive position..."
Citation (in part) for award of the Bronze Star: "...in the vicinity of Gey, Germany, 5 December 1944. Sergeant Strom led his squad in an attack upon enemy entrenchments until ordered to withdraw to previously held positions. During the encounter, his company had been heavily engaged and suffered many casualties from extremely heavy artillery and small arms fire. Because of the confusion of battle and scarcity of aid men, some of the wounded could not be evacuated during the day.
"That night after the withdrawal, realizing that many of his comrades were lying helplessly exposed to enemy fire, Sergeant Strom voluntarily led litter bearers to attempt a rescue. At great personal risk, he searched for several hours under the cover of darkness, through deep mud, in an effort to locate casualties.
"Despite heavy enemy artillery fire, he continued with his task until fourteen of his company's men were evacuated, Sergeant Strom's willing and courageous action unquestionably saved many lives and reflects great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."
SGT Strom received a honorary disability discharge on September 7th 1945, at the McGaw Army General Hospital in Walla Walla, Washington.
Mr. Strom died on March 4th 1991 at 67 years of age. He is buried at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
Source(s): Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 311.
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center | Veterans Memorial Hall (vets-hall.org)
