SSG Walter Benno Strauss

courtesy of Flora

SSG Walter Benno Strauss was born 15 Jun 1912 in Wroclaw, Poland which was also known as Breslau, Germany. A salesman who spoke German and English, we know that he immigrated to the U.S. arriving in New York City aboard the Queen Mary on 3 Oct 1938. He moved to Erie, Pennsylvania where he worked first as a shipping clerk and then as a salesman. He lived at various addresses including 319 West 10th Street and 502 West 5th Street. Although he hadn't traveled with family, he had a friend and 1st cousin in Erie, Simon Richard Bloomfield, who lived at 1038 West 9th Street.Walter had 2-years of college which he probably completed before coming to the United States.

When he registered for the draft in October 1940, Walter was working for M. Massiroff & Company at 1402 State Street in Erie. He was drafted in September 1942 and after completing his basic military training was sent to England where he was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company 3rd Battalion 116th Infantry. He then trained with the unit for the amphibious assault planned as part of the effort to liberate France. SSG Strauss was with the unit on 6 Jun 1944 when the amphibious landing took place and was killed in the landing on that day. 

SSG Strauss rests forever in the Normandy American Cemetery.