Richard M. Strong
Major, U.S. Army

On 12 September 1943, then-Captain Richard M. Strong was serving with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, Fifth U.S. Army.

On that day, CPT Strong’s unit was in action against German forces at Agropoli and Paestum, Italy, on the southernmost beaches of the attack at Salerno. CPT Strong’s outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

From 30 May to 1 June 1944, now-Major Strong's unit was breaking out of the beachhead to the northeast of Anzio, Italy. By 31 May, the German defenses were shattered and the 45th Division turned northwest, toward the Alban Hills and Rome. On 1 June, MAJ Strong's outstanding leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him, at the cost of his life, 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
Purple Heart
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 3 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation Synopsis (1st of 2 Awards)

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 Captain (Infantry) Richard M. Strong (ASN: 0-24594), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 September 1943. Captain Strong's outstanding leadership, 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, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 48 (1944)

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

Major (Infantry) Richard M. Strong (ASN: 0-24594), United States Army, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces from 30 May 1944 to 1 June 1944. Major Strong's outstanding leadership, 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, the 45th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Fifth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 108 (1944)

Burial

Major Richard M. Strong is buried at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Lazio, Italy, in Plot C, Row 3, Grave 3.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56314862/richard-m-strong