06JUN1944: Coming ashore at the Fox Green sector of Omaha Beach, SSG Raymond Strojny of F/2-16IN, 1st ID wasn't where he expected. Planning to assault the Easy Red sector, Stronjy and his men exited their craft face to face with strongpoint WN-61 in the heart of Fox Green sector. With his brothers falling all around, Strojny charged ahead to accomplish his new objective of clearing this beach. Fortunatley a few tanks had knocked out a German 88mm gun in the strongpoint but a 50mm anti-tank gun remained. That cannon quickly knocked out multiple American tanks and was devastating landing craft as they attempted to bring in reinforcements. SSG Strojny had enough. With his bazooka crew knocked out, he ran the beach to find another team. Pressing them to fire, the reluctant gunner missed twice before being targeted and wounded by mortar fire. Strojny picked up the damaged bazooka and ran ahead. Finding a suitable area to fire from, he loaded the bazooka himself, no small feat, and sent six total rounds in and around the 50mm gun position Eventually an ammunition dump was hit and the ensuing explosion killed the crew. This drew the enemy attention and Strojny was shot in the helmet. Miraculously, the round traced the inside of his helmet and exited the rea, barely wounding Strojny. He continued to lead the attack, knocking out two more machine gun positions that morning. With the two major weapon systems removed from WN-61, SSG Strojny had played a major role in opening Fox Green on Omaha Beach. For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

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