Henry "Hank" Stryker, born 26 Aug 1917 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, was the son of immigrants from the Netherlands. He enlisted in Detroit, Michigan on 15 Jan 1942 and was an airplane and engine mechanic for B-17s. He attended AAF aeronautics school, the Boeing School of Aeronautics in Oakland, California, for 16 weeks before he began his additional training with the 8th Air Force, 96th Bombardment Group (H), the old Square C, which was constituted on 28 Jan 1942 in a War Department Letter (230.2) from the Adjutant General. Training took place at Boise, Idaho; Walla Walla, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; Rapid City, South Dakota; Pocatello, Idaho; and Peyote, Texas.



After completing training, the 96th was deployed and Hank departed the US on 5 May 1943, arriving at Snetterton Health Airfield in England on 11 May 1943. At Snetterton, the 96th consisted of four squadrons: the 337th, 338th, 339th, and 413th. Hank was in the 337th and was part of the "Rum Boogie Crew." Hank remained at Snetterton until 28 Aug 1945, when he returned home. The 96th, whose crews operated B-17 Fortresses, battled for 2 years in 321 missions and suffered probably the highest number of casualties and aircraft to enemy action than any other of the 40-odd bomb groups in the 8th.



Henry's separation record lists the following battles and campaigns: GO 33 & 40 WD 45 Air Offensive - Europe Normandy Rhineland Northern France Ardennes Central Europe. It lists the following decorations and citations: Good Conduct Medal; Distinguished Unit Badge with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 6 Bronze Service Stars.



When Hank returned home to Michigan, he married his pre-war sweetheart, Pauline Wagner. They had four children, one of whom passed away just after birth - 3 sons and 1 daughter. Both sons and their son-in-law went on to serve in Vietnam, and a grandson later served with the Marines.



In 1979, Hank retired from Consumers Power as a substation operator after 21 years. Sadly, he passed away from complications of lung cancer 19 Jan 1992 at home. He had been a life member of the VFW and American Legion. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.