Donald A. Stroh

Donald A. Stroh (November 3, 1892 – December 20, 1953) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of World War I and World War II, he served from 1917 to 1949 and attained the rank of major general. Stroh's commands included the: 339th Infantry Regiment; 8th Infantry Division; 106th Infantry Division; Replacement Depot, Camp Pickett, Virginia; and Army Personnel Records Board. Stroh's awards included the Army Distinguished Service Medal, two awards of the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal.

A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Stroh was raised and educated in Washington, D.C. and graduated from Michigan State University in 1915. He began a civilian career in New York City and attended several citizens' training camps (Plattsburgh camps) conducted by the army in anticipation U.S. entry into World War I. In June 1917, his application for a commission was approved and he was appointed a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Stroh completed his initial training in August, when he effected a transfer to the army and was appointed a second lieutenant of Cavalry. After completing his initial training as a Cavalry officer, he was assigned to the 17th Cavalry Regiment at Camp Harry J. Jones, Arizona, which performed wartime security duty on the U.S.–Mexico border. After the war, Stroh served with the 17th Cavalry at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. In 1920, he transferred to the Infantry Branch, and was assigned to the 35th Infantry Regiment.

After completing the course for Infantry officers in 1922, Stroh advanced through the ranks in command and staff positions, including postings to the Philippines. He completed the course at the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 1933 and the program of instruction at the United States Army War College in 1937. During World War II, he successively commanded the 339th Infantry Regiment, served as assistant division commander of the 9th Infantry Division, commanded the 8th Infantry Division, and commanded of the 106th Infantry Division. After the war, he commanded the Replacement Depot at Camp Pickett, Virginia, followed by the presidency of the Army Personnel Records Board. He retired in 1949.

In retirement, Stroh was a resident of Washington, D.C. and maintained a cottage on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. He died in Washington on December 20, 1953. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Early life Donald Armpriester Stroh was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on November 3, 1892, the son of Harry Lincoln Stroh and Annie Armpriester Stroh. The family moved to Washington, D.C., in 1896, where Harry Stroh worked as a pressman at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. While working for Sunkist, Stroh continued his interest in military activities by taking part in several citizens' training camps (Plattsburgh camps), a program under the pre-World War I Preparedness Movement that offered participants the opportunity to apply for military commissions. The 17th Cavalry maintained border defense between the United States and Mexico for the duration of the war. He then joined the 35th Infantry Regiment at Schofield Barracks, where he was assigned to command the regiment's Howitzer Company.

Upon returning to the United States, Stroh was assigned to command of the Replacement Depot at Camp Pickett, Virginia.

Stroh died in Washington, D.C. on December 20, 1953. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Effective dates of promotion Stroh's effective dates of promotion were:

Second Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, 2 June 1917 Second Lieutenant United States Army, 16 June 1917 First Lieutenant, United States Army, 16 June 1917 Captain, United States Army, 3 November 1917 Major, United States Army, 1 November 1934 Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, 1 July 1940 Colonel, Army of the United States, 24 December 1941 Brigadier General, Army of the United States, 30 July 1942 Major General, Army of the United States, 24 August 1944 Colonel, United States Army, 25 April 1947 Major General (retired), 30 November 1947 Major General, Army of the United States, 1 December 1947 Harry Stroh was an army captain when he was killed in action in 1944 while providing close air support for the 8th Division.