Dudley George Strickler
Major, U.S. Army

On 31 January 1942, Major Dudley George Strickler was serving as Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, U.S. Army.

On that day, MAJ Strickler’s unit was in action against Japanese forces in the vicinity of Quinauan Point Bataan, Philippine Islands. When the 3rd Battalion came in close contact with Japanese forces and under heavy fire from their enemy machine guns, small arms and grenades, MAJ Strickler moved forward. Despite active enemy snipers, MAJ Strickler moved about in the forward elements of his front line companies, shouting encouragement and giving personal directions and assistance. MAJ Strickler's presence and courageous example motivated his men to a high degree of effort. MAJ Strickler's concern for the welfare of his troops transcended any consideration of personal safety and comfort and were a prime factor in the high morale and efficiency of his command, despite the material battle losses. MAJ Strickler’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

MAJ Strickler was declared as Missing in Action on 8 February 1942. MAJ Strickler’s courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation (1st of 2 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major Dudley George Strickler (ASN: 0-16898), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Quinauan Point Bataan, Philippine Islands, on 31 January 1942, in the Philippine Islands. When the battalion under his command was in close contact with the enemy forces in the face of heavy fire from hostile machine guns, small arms and grenades, in spite of active enemy snipers, Major Strickler persisted in moving about in the forward elements of his front line companies, shouting encouragement, giving personal directions and assistance, and by his courageous example motivating his men to a high degree of effort. His consistent and gallant concern for the welfare of his troops, transcending any consideration of personal safety and comfort, were a prime factor in the high morale and efficiency of his command, in spite of material battle losses. Major Strickler's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 21 (February 7, 1942)

Distinguished Service Cross Citation Synopsis (2nd of 2 Awards)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major Dudley George Strickler (ASN: 0-16898), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 3d Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, in action against enemy forces on 8 February 1942, in the Philippine Islands. Major Strickler's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Memorialization

The remains of Major Dudley George Strickler have never been recovered. He is memorialized by having his name inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56763710/dudley-george-strickler