Raymond F. Strojny

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Raymond F. Strojny (31069497), Staff Sergeant, U.S. 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 on 6 June 1944, in France. 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 intrepid actions, 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.