Career
Born on October 30, 1924, in Portland, Oregon, Stryker joined the Army from that city in July 1943. He served in Europe as a private first class in Company East of the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division. When a platoon tasked with making a frontal assault became pinned down by intense fire, Stryker voluntarily ran to the head of the unit, called for the soldiers to follow him, and charged the German position.
He was killed by hostile fire 25 yards (23 m) from the building.
His attack provided a diversion which allowed other elements of Company East to take the position, capturing over 200 soldiers and freeing three American airmen held as prisoners by the Germans. He was one of three people to earn the medal during Operation Varsity, the others being Private First Class George J. Peters and Technical Sergeant Clinton Hedrick.
Aged 20 at his death, Stryker was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California. (no relation).