Early Life in Sabetha
Elgin A. Strahm was born on January 3, 1919, in Sabetha, Kansas, to Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm. Raised in a close-knit and community-minded family, Elgin spent his entire childhood and early adult years in Sabetha. Before the war, he was active in local organizations including the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Young Republicans, where he served as committeeman for Rock Creek Township. Through his friends Eugene Pfleider and Wilbur Wurzbacher, he became affiliated with the Congregational Sunday School and church. Known for his cheerful nature and dedication, Elgin brought joy to those around him and was deeply respected throughout the community.
Answering the Call to Serve
As the world was engulfed in war, Elgin Strahm registered with the Nemaha County Selective Service and was listed among the 35 men accepted for military duty on March 2, 1942. He was officially inducted into the U.S. Army on April 13, 1942, with a farewell program held on Main Street in Sabetha to honor the departing servicemen.
Training Across the Country
Elgin began his military training at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, as a Private in Company A, 56th Battalion, 12th Regiment. By July 1942, he had transferred to Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, where he was assigned to the 592nd Engineer Boat Regiment, Company A. Later that year, he continued advanced training at Camp Carrabelle, Florida, and Fort Ord, California.
In December 1942, Elgin returned home briefly to visit his family before being deployed overseas. By January 1943, he had been promoted to Staff Sergeant and was stationed somewhere in the South Pacific.
Deployed to the Pacific Theater
Elgin arrived in Australia on March 3, 1943, and then moved on to New Guinea on May 6, where he joined the Engineering Amphibian Boat Service—an elite and dangerous assignment involving the transportation and landing of troops and supplies under fire. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key leader within his unit and earning praise for his courage, leadership, and skill.
Killed in Action: July 1, 1943
On July 1, 1943, Staff Sergeant Elgin Strahm was killed in action in the Southwest Pacific during combat operations in New Guinea. His parents received the official War Department telegram notifying them of his death and offering the deepest sympathies of the Secretary of War.
Letters from his fellow soldiers described Elgin’s final moments and the deep admiration they held for him. Cpl. Alfred Smith wrote that Elgin had encouraged others to read verses 10–13 from the sixth chapter of Ephesians—verses that would later serve as the Scripture reading at his memorial service. Cpl. Smith, Sgt. Claude Powell, and Sgt. Gordon Johnson all testified to Elgin’s bravery, stating he was a respected leader and beloved friend who died instantly on the beach while guiding his men during a sniper attack.
Honored by Comrades and Country
A memorial service was held on October 31, 1943, at the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha. The church was filled with family, friends, and members of the American Legion and Auxiliary. Rev. Noah Schrock delivered a heartfelt sermon, assisted by Rev. Joe Wittmer.
Elgin was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement. The citation praised his gallantry during the initial landing, his leadership in organizing a perimeter defense after his commanding officer was killed, and his pivotal role in repelling enemy attacks throughout the night.
A Lasting Legacy
Elgin’s death resonated deeply with the Sabetha community and his family. He was remembered not only as a soldier, but as a bright, kind, and dedicated young man whose life embodied service and selflessness. His final resting place is in Lae, Morobe, Papua New Guinea. His name is also inscribed on the Tablet of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines, ensuring that his sacrifice will never be forgotten.
He was survived by his parents; brothers Silas, Orville, Leland (also in the Army), and Milan; and sisters Lydia (Mrs. Lee Wenger), Tillie (Mrs. Louis Wenger), Eva (Mrs. Roy Alderfer), and Elda Mae (Mrs. Harry Wherry). At the time of his death, eleven of his cousins were also serving in the U.S. military.
SOURCES
Find a Grave Memorial
Birth: 3 Jan 1919
Death: 1 Jul 1943 – Morobe, Papua New Guinea
Monument: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines
Tablet of the missing
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS) 2 Mar 1942, page1
List of 35 about to Go
The Nemaha county selective service office has received names of 35 men, accepted for military duty from two groups sent to Ft. Leavenworth for examination. These men are now listed “as about to be inducted” into military service.
Those who passed:
Elgin Strahm, Sabetha
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Corning Gazette (Corning, KS) 16 Apr 1942, page 1
Nineteen More in Army from Nemaha County
Nineteen more young men were called to the service of Uncle Sam Monday the 13th and were given a royal send off by their friends and relatives. Other groups are to leave soon. The following are the names of the men who left last Monday:
Elgin Strahm, Sabetha
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS) 13 Apr 1942, page 1
MORE MEN TO THE ARMY.
OVER TWENTY TODAY
Takes Most of Those Who Had Pre-Induction Examinations
Nemaha County sent some 20 more young men to the colors this afternoon, with a fitting farewell program on Main street. There are other groups to go soon.
The war has steadily become more serious. The public is more deeply concerned about it. Fall of Bataan peninsula, held bravely far longer than could have been expected, a glorious chapter in American fighting, was none the less a hard blow. The happenings of recent weeks have shattered hopes for a short war.
Below the names of the men who left this afternoon to serve their country, are a number of other items of general news interests connected with military service.
Today’s group included:
Elgin Strahm
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 6 May 1942, page 1
Service Men’s Addresses
Pvt. Elgin Strahm, Co. A, 56th Bn, 12th Regt. Camp Robinson, Ark., U.S. Army
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 8 Jul 1942, page 1
Service Men’s Addresses
Pvt. Elgin Strahm, 5[9]2nd Engr. Boat Regt. Co. A., Barracks T 1142, Camp Edwards, Mass
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 23 Dec 1942, page 1
Sgt. Elgin Strahm is here from Ft. Ord, Calif., to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Strahm and family.
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 20 Jan 1943, page 1
Elgin Strahm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Strahm, who is somewhere in the South Pacific, has recently been promoted and is now a staff seargeant.
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 27 OCt 1943, page 1
Men In The Service
Death Of Elgin Strahm Lives On As Sermon
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians, 6th chapter, verses 10, 11 and 12.
With this as a scripture lesson the death of Staff Sergeant Elgin Strahm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm of Sabetha, killed in action in the southwest Pacific some weeks ago, becomes a sermon that lives on in the hearts of his comrades in arms and his loved ones at home. The text was chosen by Elgin himself. Cpl. Alfred Smith, a member of Elgin’s company, writes to the Strahms as follows: “We’ll never forget one day when Elgin told some of the boys that it wouldn’t hurt anyone just to sit down and read the 10th to the 13th verses from the 6th chapter of Ephesians—not only read it but think about it a little. I think we all did and have memorized the three little verses.”
Mr. and Mrs. Strahm and Elgin’s brother and sister, Silas Strahm and Mrs. Louis Wenger, recently received letters from some of Sgt. Strahm’s friends in the army. In response to inquiries, they wrote what they could of Elgin’s quick and painless death on a beach, apparently somewhere in the southwest Pacific.
Cpl. Smith, oddly enough, is a former Brown county boy, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Smith. He tells Silas Strahm that he probably has driven past his farm on highway 75 south of Fairview many times, and “possibly even shelled corn, combined, or trucked for you.” He used to run Brockhoff’s shelter and other machinery, he says.
All of the letters tell about the same story. It is plain that Elgin was loved as much by his associates in the army as at home. Sgt. Claude W. Powell writes, “He was the best staff sergeant we had in our company. The men would all obey Elgin and do things for him because he would treat them with respect and he always had a cheerful word for them. Our regiment has lost a very valuable man in Elgin. He was leading a group of men the night of his death, like the leader he was, when death struck. He died in seconds. He had no suffering to go through, as some of his fellow men.”
Sgt. Gordon Johnson says, “His passing was deeply felt by the men and officers of the company. He will long be remembered by the men of the company as a fine leader, a first class soldier and a good friend to everyone.”
Cpl. Smith writes further, “Some day I hope I can visit you to tell what other things, not to mention military activities.
“Elgin was taken instantly, not on the sea but on the beach. He was not mangled or crashed in any way. He was buried by his friends in a pretty, flower scented coconut grove. The date telegraphed you by the war department is correct.
“We are all bearing the grief with you. We all loved him like a brother. After being together so long through all pleasures and hardships we have all become very deeply attached to one another. We never could help but notice every day his character and dealing and that he must undoubtedly have had wonderful home training. He will be remembered by all as always being cheerful and considerate.”
“My cousin, Donald Minneman of Fairview is here in Australia some place but I have not seen him. We are having a nice spring day here, everything is so green and nice, quite the contrary to at home with fall just coming on.”
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 27 OCt 1943, page 1
Service for Elgin Strahm
Memorial services will be held at the Christian Apostolic church, west Virginia Street, Sunday October 31st at one o’clock for Elgin Strahm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm, who gave his life in his country’s service in the Pacific area.
Leland Strahm, a brother of Elgin is home on furlough from Camp Leonard Wood, Missouri.
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Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 3 Nov 1943, page 1
Men In The Service
Memorial Service for Elgin Strahm
Memorial Services for Elgin Strahm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm, who lost his life in the service of his country, July 1 of this year in the Pacific battle area, were held Sunday afternoon in Sabetha. The Apostolic Christian church was crowded with relatives and friends who wished to pay tribute to one held in deep affection by all who knew him. All available space in the church and about the building was occupied.
The American Legion was represented by these men who sat in a body: B. W. Grimm, Henry Imthurn, Max Mock, Roy Mishler, C. L. Pautz, Paul Lukert, Elba Stine, and C. R. White. A group of Legion Auxiliary members also sat in a body.
The Scripture lesson and singing of hymns preceded a very thought-provoking and inspiring address by the Rev. Noah Schrock of Iowa. Rev. Joe Wittmer assisted in the service.
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Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS) 15 Jul 1943 page 1
SABETHA BOY
GIVES LIFE
IN WAR OF PACIFIC
Another Nemaha county boy has given his life in World War II. The Sabetha Herald reports:
Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm received the following message on Tuesday morning: “The Secretary of War desires that I tender his deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Staff Sergeant Elgin A. Strahm. Report just received states that he was killed in action on July 1st in the Southwest Pacific area. Letter follows. Signed Ulio, the Adjt. General.”
This news brings sorrow to the whole community, especially to the family and the friends, who include all who knew Elgin.
The Strahm family has been reared in this community. Elgin was born January 3, 1919, and was 24 years old at the time of his death. His entire life was spent in the Sabetha community, until he left for camp, April 13, 1942. He was stationed first at Camp Robinson, Ark. Subsequently, he spent some time at Camp Edwards, Mass., Camp Carrabelle, Fla., and Fort Ord, Calif., obtaining further training. He arrived in Australia on March 3rd of this year and in New Guinea on May 6, where he saw action. He advanced rapidly in his work and had attained the highest non-commissioned rank in the Engineering Amphibian Boat service, one of the most effective of army services.
Elgin was community spirited at home. He was an active worker in the local and county Young Republican organizations. He served as committeeman for Rock Creek township and never failed to attend county and state meetings.
Through his friends, Eugene Pfleider and Wilbur Wurzbacher, he became affiliated with the Congregational Sunday school and church. He was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
Elgin loved life and lived a happy, useful twenty-five years in which he brought happiness to his family and friends. When the time came to serve his country, he entered wholeheartedly into the work assigned to him and advancement came regularly. “He would be in the thick of the fighting; all who know him feel assured he would give his best, and we know that when he paid the supreme sacrifice, he was giving his best.”
Elgin is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm, four brothers; Silas of Fairview, Orville of Wichita, Leland in army service, Milam of Sabetha; four sisters, Mrs. Lee Wenger, Mrs. Louis Wenger, Mrs. Roy Alderfer of Sabetha, and Mrs. Harry Wherry of Lawrence. Among the many relatives surviving are eleven cousins, who are in the service of their country.
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Sources
Find a Grave Memorial
Birth: 3 Jan 1919
Death: 1 Jul 1943 – Morobe, Papua New Guinea
Monument: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines
Tablet of the missing
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS) 2 Mar 1942, page 1
List of 35 about to Go
Corning Gazette (Corning, KS) 16 Apr 1942, page 1
Nineteen More in Army from Nemaha County
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS) 13 Apr 1942, page 1
MORE MEN TO THE ARMY. OVER TWENTY TODAY
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 6 May 1942, page 1
Service Men’s Addresses
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 8 Jul 1942, page 1
Service Men’s Addresses
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 23 Dec 1942, page 1
Sgt. Elgin Strahm is here from Ft. Ord, Calif., to visit his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Strahm and family.
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 20 Jan 1943, page 1
Elgin Strahm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Strahm, who is somewhere in the South Pacific, has recently been promoted and is now a staff sergeant.
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 27 Oct 1943, page 1
Men In The Service – Death Of Elgin Strahm Lives On As Sermon
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 27 Oct 1943, page 1
Service for Elgin Strahm
Sabetha Herald (Sabetha, KS) 3 Nov 1943, page 1
Men In The Service – Memorial Service for Elgin Strahm
Courier Tribune (Seneca, KS) 15 Jul 1943, page 1
SABETHA BOY GIVES LIFE IN WAR OF PACIFIC
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The Sabetha Herald
25 May 2005
Page 13.Yes, I can! Here is a full transcription of the article titled “Strahm is Killed in New Guinea Action” from The Sabetha Herald, May 25, 2005, page 13:
Strahm is Killed in New Guinea Action
Compiled by Patty Locher, Sabetha Herald News Editor
Staff Sergeant Elgin Strahm, 24, was killed in action on July 1, 1943, presumably in the Port Moresby region of New Guinea.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed B. Strahm of Sabetha, received the following message regarding his death:
“The Secretary of War desires that I tender his deepest sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Staff Sergeant Elgin A. Strahm. Report just received states that he was killed in action on July 1 in the Southwest Pacific area. Letter follows. Signed Ulio, the Adjutant General.”
Elgin left for military camp on April 13, 1942. He was first stationed at Camp Robinson, Ark., then subsequently spent some time at Camp Edwards, Mass., Camp Carrabelle, Fla., and Fort Ord, Calif., obtaining further training. He arrived in Australia on March 3, 1943. On May 6, he arrived in New Guinea, where he saw action.
“He advanced rapidly in his work and had attained the highest non-commissioned rank in the Engineering Amphibian Boat Service, one of the most effective of Army services,” according to an article published in The Sabetha Herald shortly after notification of his death.
“The amphibious engineer services are among the most daring and dangerous in the army, demanding the most exacting type of work at the most delicate moment of any offensive. Elgin Strahm’s grade in this work is an indication of his ability, courage and leadership,” the article continued.
“While there is no indication that such is the case, it appears probable that Elgin’s death came as a result of the recently renewed American action in the New Guinea area. It is some source of satisfaction to know that this offensive is gaining momentum, is an important phase of the general plan of action against Japan, and that the Sabetha boy’s life was sacrificed in what is fast becoming a great and successful blow against the forces of oppression.”
Sabetha had been more fortunate than many communities in the percentage of loss of its fighting men. Elgin Strahm was the second Sabetha lad to make the supreme sacrifice, although several others from nearby communities well known there had been lost. The death of these boys should live in the memories of home folks and be an inspiration for greater sacrifice and effort. “How little is demanded of the rest of us compared with losses sustained by the few. Their passing may well be justified in bringing the war closer to home, and cruelty and selfishness to banishment from the earth, that liberty might live and some day thrive again.”
A memorial service was held at the Apostolic Christian Church in Sabetha on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 31. The Rev. Noah Schrock officiated and the Rev. Joe Wittmer assisted in the service. The following text from Ephesians 6:10-12, selected by Elgin himself, was read at the service:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of the world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
With this as a Scripture lesson, Elgin’s death becomes a sermon that lives on in the hearts of his comrades in battle and his loved ones at home.
Corporal Alfred L. Smith, a member of Elgin’s company, wrote to the Strahms:
“We’ll never forget one day when Elgin told some of the boys that it wouldn’t hurt anyone just to sit down and read the 10th to the 13th verses from the sixth chapter of Ephesians—not only read it but think about it a little. I think we all did and have memorized the three little verses.”
Elgin’s parents and his siblings—Silas Strahm and Mrs. Louis Wenger—also received letters from Elgin’s Army friends. They described his death as quick and painless, occurring on a beach somewhere in the southwest Pacific.
Sgt. Claude W. Powell wrote:
“He was the best staff sergeant we had in our company. The men would all obey Elgin and do things for him because he would treat them with respect and he always had a cheerful word for them. Our regiment has lost a very valuable man in Elgin. He was leading a group of men the night of his death, like the leader he was, when death struck. He died in seconds. He had no suffering to go through, as some of his fellow men.”
Sgt. Gordon Johnson added:
“His passing was deeply felt by the men and officers of the company. He will long be remembered by the men of the company as a fine leader, a first-class soldier, and a good friend to everyone.”
Corporal Smith wrote further details of that night, describing Elgin’s heroism during a difficult landing in a severe storm, the destruction of multiple landing craft, and Elgin’s tireless efforts to regroup stranded men and lead them to safety. Elgin died while guiding his men through darkness under sniper fire.
The Bronze Star Medal was awarded posthumously. The citation read:
“For heroic achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy. Sgt. Strahm was assistant wave leader in the initial landing. After all craft were wrecked in the mountainous surf and all possible salvage accomplished, he assisted his commanding officer in establishing a perimeter defense of the beach. When the officer was killed, Sgt. Strahm continued the preparation and gallantly directed the defense against the enemy attacks until he was killed. His organization of the perimeter was sufficient to secure the beachhead against the night-long counterattacks.”
Elgin was born Jan. 3, 1919, and spent his entire life in the Sabetha community before leaving for the Army. He was community-spirited, active in local and county Young Republican organizations, and served as committeeman for Rock Creek Township. He was also involved in the Congregational Sunday School and church, and the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
He was survived by his parents; four brothers—Silas of Fairview, Orville of Wichita, Leland in Army service, and Milan of Sabetha; and four sisters—Mrs. Lee Wenger, Mrs. Louis Wenger, Mrs. Roy Alderfer of Sabetha, and Mrs. Harry Wherry of Lawrence. At the time of the article’s publication in 2005, only Milan and Elda Mae (Mrs. Wherry) survived.
Elgin’s final resting place is in Lae, New Guinea.