Victor Herbert Strahm
Brigadier General, U.S. Air Force

Victor Herbert Strahm was born on 26 October 1897 in Nashville, TN.

Strahm was a World War I ace who downed five confirmed German airplanes in 1918, with three more probable kills. He was twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor; an award second only to the Medal of Honor.

He served as an Army Air Corps test pilot in the 1930s. He served as Chief of Staff of the 10th Air Force in World War II, and was later Deputy Commanding General of the 9th Air Force. He served as Commander of Barksdale Field (it changed to Barksdale Air Force Base during his command) from January 1946 to June 1947.

Strahm's 36-year military career ended and he was grounded from flight for medical reasons. Despondent, he shot himself and died after being in a coma for five weeks.

Death and Burial

Brigadier General Victor Herbert Strahm died on 11 May 1957 in San Antonio, TX. He is buried at Forest Park East Cemetery in Shreveport, LA.