Congratulations!
Larry 'Gunny' Strassner
2026 Inductee to the New York State Veteran's Hall of Fame
Congratulations to our very own Larry 'Gunny' Strassner. the latest inductee into the New York State Veterans' Hall of Fame. It's an honor long overdue, Gunny has been a guiding force in not just veteran's affairs but the community as well. He has been an inspiration to many people across the county.
We are so proud to call him ours.
SEMPER FI!!
|
|
Citation Transcript
Larry Strassner was born on May 22, 1947, in Rochester, New York. He graduated from Edison Tech High School in 1965 and entered the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He seerved on active duty until 1972 and continuing his service in the Unted State Marine Corps Reserve until 1976, ultimately achieving the rank of E-7, Gunnery Sergeant.
Following boot camp, advance infantry training and military schooling, Mr. Strassner was first stationed at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. He later served as a Sergeant in Vietnam (Chu Lai) from December 1967 through March 1969 as an Aircraft Electrian, mintaining fixed-wing aircraft, including the F4B Phantom II. During this time, Mr. Strassner was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 13, VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers". He also flew several missions in the UH-1E "Huey" helicopter as a door gunner. In 1968 he was wounded when a 122mm rocket exploded in his hoot (living quarters).
Mr. Strassner earned several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with three devices, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Naval Achievement medal with Combat "V", Presidental Unit Citation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with three devices, Rifle Sharpsshooter Citation Metal, Pistol Expert Badgs, New York State Conspicious Service Star, New York State Medal for Merit with Silver Shield, and New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal. He later returned stateside and was stationed at MCAS Yuma, Arizona before being honorable released from active duty.
Professionally, Mr. Strassner built a distinguished 41-year career with General Motors and Delphi Corporations as a manufacturing Engineering Supervisor. He furthered his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning degrees in Mechanical Engineering in 1975 and Electrical Technology in 1985.
A dedicated volunteer, Mr. Strassner designed theatrical stage sets for the Greece Central School DIstrict and local theater groups for approximtly 12 years, beginning in 2008. He has also served in leadership roles with American Legion Post 468, VFW Post 4658 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20. He has been a devoted Honor FLight Rochester volunteer and trip leader, reflecting his unwavering respect for fellow veterans.
Prior to deploying to Vietnam, Mr. Strassner married Sandra in 1967, and together they had two daughters, Christine and Terri. In 1986, he remarried Juliann, and together they welcomed another daughter, Rebecca.
Following boot camp, advance infantry training and military schooling, Mr. Strassner was first stationed at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. He later served as a Sergeant in Vietnam (Chu Lai) from December 1967 through March 1969 as an Aircraft Electrian, mintaining fixed-wing aircraft, including the F4B Phantom II. During this time, Mr. Strassner was assigned to the 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Air Group 13, VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers". He also flew several missions in the UH-1E "Huey" helicopter as a door gunner. In 1968 he was wounded when a 122mm rocket exploded in his hoot (living quarters).
Mr. Strassner earned several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal with three devices, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Naval Achievement medal with Combat "V", Presidental Unit Citation Medal, Good Conduct Medal with three devices, Rifle Sharpsshooter Citation Metal, Pistol Expert Badgs, New York State Conspicious Service Star, New York State Medal for Merit with Silver Shield, and New York State Vietnam War Commemorative Medal. He later returned stateside and was stationed at MCAS Yuma, Arizona before being honorable released from active duty.
Professionally, Mr. Strassner built a distinguished 41-year career with General Motors and Delphi Corporations as a manufacturing Engineering Supervisor. He furthered his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, earning degrees in Mechanical Engineering in 1975 and Electrical Technology in 1985.
A dedicated volunteer, Mr. Strassner designed theatrical stage sets for the Greece Central School DIstrict and local theater groups for approximtly 12 years, beginning in 2008. He has also served in leadership roles with American Legion Post 468, VFW Post 4658 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20. He has been a devoted Honor FLight Rochester volunteer and trip leader, reflecting his unwavering respect for fellow veterans.
Prior to deploying to Vietnam, Mr. Strassner married Sandra in 1967, and together they had two daughters, Christine and Terri. In 1986, he remarried Juliann, and together they welcomed another daughter, Rebecca.