Briefing Document: George Norman Strawn

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Biographical and Military Service Information on George Norman Strawn

Sources:

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I. Summary

This briefing document details the life and military service of George Norman Strawn, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was killed in action at Los Negros Island, Papua New Guinea. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry in combat.

II. Key Themes and Facts

Early Life and Family:George Norman Strawn was born on July 6, 1922, in Cisco, Eastland County, Texas.

His parents were Meda Beatrice Spoon and Ira DeLafayette Strawn.

He had three brothers and a sister.

The family lived in various locations in Texas, including Cisco and Stephens County.

In the 1940 census, at the age of 17, he was living with his parents and two brothers in Mid Kansas, JP2 Stephens County, Texas. He was working in a bakery at this time. He had completed one year of high school.

Military Enlistment and Training:Strawn enlisted in the U.S. Army Cavalry from civilian life as a private on August 6, 1940, at Fort Worth, Texas.

He was assigned Army Serial Number (ASN) 18020510.

He trained at Fort Ringgold, Texas.

Military Service in World War II:Strawn served as a Staff Sergeant with the 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

He arrived in Australia on July 24, 1943, before deploying to New Guinea.

He participated in the Admiralty Islands campaign.

He landed at Los Negros Island on February 29, 1944, where the 1st Cavalry Division faced its first combat.

He was involved in securing the Momote airstrip despite heavy Japanese resistance.

Death and RecognitionSSgt. Strawn was killed in action on March 13, 1944, at Los Negros Island, Manus, Papua New Guinea.

His body was not recovered.

He is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines.

He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart, posthumously.

III. Important Quotes

"Staff Sergeant George N. Strawn 18020510 US Army 12th Cavalry Regiment 1st Cavalry Division. Arrived in Australia 24 July 1943... The division experienced its first combat in the Admiralty Islands, units landing at Los Negros on 29 February 1944." (Source 1)

"SSgt Strawn was killed in a gallant action on 13 March 1944 at Los Negros Island..." (Source 1)

"Staff Sergeant George N. Strawn (ASN: 18020510), United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for gallantry in action... in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II at the Los Negros Island..." (Source 2)

IV. Analysis

The provided documents paint a picture of a young man who enlisted in the Army and was thrust into the thick of the Pacific Theater during World War II.

His service demonstrates bravery and sacrifice, culminating in his death in action.

The posthumous award of the Silver Star recognizes his gallantry and the extreme risk he took in combat.

The fact that he was initially a private and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant indicates some experience and leadership potential.

V. Conclusion

George Norman Strawn's story is one of service, sacrifice, and bravery. His short life, cut short by the war, is a poignant example of the many young men who gave their lives in the fight against tyranny during World War II. His story serves as a reminder of the human cost of conflict, and his awards show that his actions were noted and honored. This briefing doc provides a concise summary of what is known about the life and military service of George Norman Strawn from the given sources.