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Pine Hill Cemetery

Born:  November 09, 1944 at Auburn, NY

Entered Service in the US Army from Throop, NY

Earned The Medal of Honor During the Vietnam War For heroism November 07, 1967 at Loc Ninh, Vietnam

Specialist Fourth Class Stryker was serving as a grenadier in a multi-company reconnaissance in force near Loc Ninh. As his unit moved through the dense underbrush, it was suddenly met with a hail of rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire from enemy forces concealed in fortified bunkers and in surrounding trees. Reacting quickly, he fired into the enemy positions with his grenade launcher. During the devastating exchange of fire, he detected enemy elements attempting to encircle his company and isolate it from the main body of the friendly force. Undaunted by the enemy machinegun and small-arms fire, Specialist Fourth Class Stryker repeatedly fired grenades into the trees, killing enemy snipers and enabling his comrades to sever the attempted encirclement. As the battle continued, he observed several wounded members of his squad in the killing zone of an enemy claymore mine. With complete disregard for his safety, he threw himself upon the mine as it was detonated. He was mortally wounded as his body absorbed the blast and shielded his comrades from the explosion. His unselfish actions were responsible for saving the lives of at least six of his fellow soldiers.