Robert Francis Stryker
Specialist Four, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Specialist Four Robert Francis Stryker (9 November 1944 - 7 November 1967) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

Robert F. Stryker was born on 9 November 1944 in Auburn, NY. He entered the Army at Throop, NY. In Vietnam on 7 November 1967, Stryker covered a Claymore mine with his body as it detonated, saving at least six of his fellow soldiers. For his heroic self-sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division.

Place and date: Near Loc Ninh, Republic of Vietnam, 7 November 1967.

Entered service at: Throop, NY. Born: 9 November 1944, Auburn, NY.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4 Stryker, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving with Company C. Sp4 Stryker was serving as a grenadier in a multicompany reconnaissance in force near Loc Ninh. As his unit moved through the dense underbrush, it was suddenly met with a hail of rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire from enemy forces concealed in fortified bunkers and in the surrounding trees. Reacting quickly, Sp4 Stryker fired into the enemy positions with his grenade launcher. During the devastating exchange of fire, Sp4 Stryker detected enemy elements attempting to encircle his company and isolate it from the main body of the friendly force. Undaunted by the enemy machinegun and small-arms fire, Sp4 Stryker repeatedly fired grenades into the trees, killing enemy snipers and enabling his comrades to sever the attempted encirclement. As the battle continued, Sp4 Stryker observed several wounded members of his squad in the killing zone of an enemy Claymore mine. With complete disregard for his safety, he threw himself upon the mine as it was detonated. He was mortally wounded as his body absorbed the blast and shielded his comrades from the explosion. His unselfish actions were responsible for saving the lives of at least 6 of his fellow soldiers. Sp4 Stryker's great personal bravery was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Medals and Awards

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name Robert F. Stryker is inscribed on Panel 29E - Line 45.

Death and Burial

Specialist Four Robert Francis Stryker was killed in action on 7 November 1967. He is buried at Pine Hill Cemetery Throop, NY.