Glenn H. Strouse

LEETONIA - January 1, 2011-Glenn Strouse, son of the late William and Ida Mae Longnecker Strouse, lost his three-year battle with cancer and died at home in Leetonia, Ohio in the early hours of January 1, 2011.

Glenn was born on June 10, 1915 in Leetonia, Ohio. A 1933 graduate of Leetonia High School and as a young man, Glenn served with the U.S. Conservation Corps in California and Montana.

Glenn served with "K" Company, 103rd Infantry Regiment, 43rd U. S. Infantry Division during Luzon Campaign in the Philippine Theater of Operations during WWII. January 16, 1945; 64,000 American troops, part of a 262,000 troop contingent, landed and established a beachhead on Luzon. Staff Sgt. Strouse and two members of his guard (equipped with a 57mm anti-tank gun, a 37mm anti-tank gun and a 50caliber machine gun) were ordered to establish what became the sole forward guard position defending that combat outpost for the night. The three guards came under heavy fire around 2300 hours from a column of 7 military tanks, part of the 2nd Japanese Armored Division. The tanks were equipped with 47mm cannons and the small arms weaponry of their dismounted troop. The guard position, heavily out-gunned, fought in pitch darkness so as not to expose the size or location of their landing party. During several attacks over 4-plus hours, they eliminated the threat from 5 of the tanks. The Outpost Commander's 22-page report described fighting having included both mounted and dismounted attacks so intense that the heat of continuous fire warped the barrel of one of the anti-tank weapons, rendering it inoperative. Taking over the machine gun when one of the guards was disabled by flash-burns to his eyes, Sgt. Strouse and one other continued the defense of the position. Sgt. Strouse eliminated a 6th Tank with 2 machine gun bursts fired in the direction of the muzzle-flash from that tank's cannon; missing with the first burst but connecting with the 2nd. The 7th and final tank then disengaged and fled the battle scene. SSgt. Strouse was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds suffered during that engagement. Additionally, "SSgt. Strouse was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy, in action against enemy forces on 16-17 January 1945. SSgt. Strouse's intrepid actions, personal Bravery and Zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army".

Employed as a heavy equipment operator and master mechanic, Glenn was a 62-year member of Union Local No. 66, International Union of Operating Engineers, retiring in 1980.

Glenn was preceded in death by Eileen Strouse (nee Reese), wife of 63 years, Anne Eastek (nee Strouse), daughter, his siblings Carmen Francis (nee Strouse), Joseph Strouse and Helen Strouse.

Glenn's sad departure leaves behind Teresa Strouse (Clearwater, FL) daughter, William Strouse (Scottsdale, AZ) son and Elizabeth Frank (nee Strouse) daughter and her husband Michael (North Canton, OH), Grandchildren: Thomas Eastek, Jr. and his wife, Stephanie (Leetonia), Stephanie Eastek (Dayton, OH), Robert Eastek (Leetonia), Kali Strouse (Palm Beach Gardens, FL), Jason Strouse (Chuluota, FL) and Great Grandchildren: Kalie Eastek and Brandon Eastek.

Glenn was a life long member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Leetonia, a life member and past commander with the Joe Williams Post #131 American Legion in Leetonia, a life member of the York Drexler Post #5532 VFW in Washingtonville; a member of the Leetonia Sportsman's Club and a member of the 43rd Infantry National Association.

Glenn's passion was his service to those who needed a hand. Glenn was a patriot and his love, friendship, droll humor, generosity and selflessness will be sorely missed by all.

Calling hours are scheduled for Friday, January 7, 2011 from 6-9 p.m. at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, 111 Summit Street, Leetonia and one hour prior to the services at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on Saturday. Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 11:00a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 29 Spruce Street with Reverend Kari Lankford officiating. Committal services will be at the Oakdale Cemetery Chapel with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be in Glenn's name to St. Paul's Lutheran Church Brick Restoration Fund 29 Spruce Street, Leetonia, OH 44431.