Edward Joseph Stratman
Kentucky Post, Friday, 7 September 1945, page 10
A former Ft Thomas physician has been decorated with the Legion
of Merit, fourth highest Army decoration, for exceptional meritorious conduct
displayed as a battalion surgeon in the Italian campaign. Word of the award made
her husband, major Edward J Stratman, was received recently by Mrs. Marjorie
Stratman, of 1144 Park avenue, Newport. The Major previously had been awarded
the Silver Star Medal and the Purple Heart.
The citation reads: "Edward J Stratman, Major Medical Corps, 350th Infantry Reigment, for meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services in Italy from March 4, 1911 to May 8, 1945. As a battalion surgeon Major Stratman worked long and tireless hours, continuously moving his aid station as close as possible to the troop during the Allied offensive operations which culminated in the fall of Rome.
Later when the 350th Regiment launched its attack on the impregnable positions at Monterumile, Major Stratman administered aid to the countless causalities for almost three successive days and nights. He set out on foot to establish evacuation route for his litter bearers in order to render the maximum service."
Major Stratman is now regimental surgeon of the 350th Regiment which is attached to the 88th Blue Devil Division. He has been overseas 22 months. Before entering the service in June 1942, he was practicing with Dr. Clay Crawford in Ft Thomas.
***********
Kentucky Post, Monday, 30 January 2006, page 10A
Dr. Edward J Stratman practiced medicine 60 years, making house calls in the 1990s and making battlefield calls in the 1940s. Dr. Stratman, 90, of Fort Thomas, died Friday at Carmel Manor Nursing Home in Fort Thomas, where he was medical director from 1949 to 1999. He had a family practice in Bellevue and Fort Thomas.
Dr. Stratman was a 1939 graduate of the University of Cincinnati medical school. He was a surgeon in the Army's 188th Infantry "Blue Devil" Division in WWII and was stationed in Italy and Africa. He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart and Legion of Merit. Dr. Stratman played the violin and was a member of the St Stephen Church Choir. He wife, Marjorie Linsteadt preceded him in death.
Druing WWII Dr. Stratman was awarded a Silver Heart for crawling on his stomach under enemy fire to administer to wounded soldiers. He was awarded a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds in his legs. Back home after the war, Dr. Stratman continued making house calls long after most doctors had abandoned them. He was highly respected a Carmel Manor Nursing Home and became friends with many residents during his fifty years of work there.
Other survivors include two grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 am Tuesday at St Catherine of Siena Church in Fort Thomas. Burial will be in St Stephen Cemetery.