Robert Leroy Stratmon served in both WWI and WWII. He lost his life while serving in World War II.
NC WWI Service Card
Robert Leroy Stratmon was born on June 12, 1900, in Southport, Brunswick County, NC.
On October 27, 1917, Robert, listed as 18 years old, joined the US Navy. At the time, African American men were assigned only menial positions in the Navy, so he began as a Mess Attendant, 3rd Class. By the end of his service, he had risen to Wardroom Cook.
The 1920 census shows that he had returned to his home in Southport. His family relocated some time later to Boston and NYC.
Robert served in the US Naval Reserves in WWII. He died in service to his country on August 16, 1944. In the excerpt below, his name appears at the bottom right. [Source: The New York Age, June 4, 1946]
His name does not appear on WWII casualty lists, so it is assumed that he died of disease.
His remains were returned four years later from the American military cemetery in New Guinea, (USAF Cemetery, Fischaffen #2) and buried in Long Island National Cemetery.
[Source: Ancestry.com. U.S. National Cemetery Interment Control Forms, 1928-1962 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.]
Source of headstone photo: Findagrave
To view this or an earlier profile or snapshot at any time, click on the veteran’s name on the WWI Brunswick County Veteran list, which is also accessible by the blue button on the top right of the webpage.
If you would like to help us honor Robert Leroy Stratmon or another Brunswick County WWI veteran, please use the following links:
Click here for the announcement:
Announcement: Honor a Brunswick County World War I Veteran
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How to Honor a Brunswick County World War I Veteran
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