General Strother retired a four star general circa 1966. He graduated from West Point and earned his wings in 1932. In the late 1930’s he found himself based at Luke Field, Hawaii, where as a player-coach of the basketball team which became the island champs in 1938.
After the war began, he would be a part of the initial cadre that founded the 13th Air Force in the South Pacific. He would serve there with distinction before rotating stateside for duty in Washington, D.C..
Later, at the personal request of General Nathan Twining, Commander of the 15th Air Force, Brigadier General Strother was assigned to the 15th Air Force. There he became the commander of the 15th Fighter Wing until the end of World War II. After the war, General Strother served with NATO and NORAD, as well as numerous other postings.
Items on display here at the museum from the General Strother collection include:
- World War II custom Italian-made Ike Jacket with all original insignia and Brigadier General stars
- Identified Footlocker grouping contains various books and references, various official photographs, including a multiple leather bound set presented to General Strother as he left the command of the 12th Air Force. Various awards and plaques presented from various countries while serving with NATO.
- Various photographs and newspaper clippings from WW-II
- 1960’s Orange Flight Suit with patches and stars
- One photo and personal letter display regarding General Strother’s younger brother, Don, KIA South Pacific, B-17 pilot, February, 1942
- Representative 1930’s Class A uniform with all of General Strother’s original 1930’s insignia, including photographs and photo album of Hawaiian Island Basketball Championship, 1938.
- Distinguished Service medal and associated award certificate
- Silver Star
- Original pilot's wings
- Miscellaneous: general's stars, patches, ribbon bars, theater-made knife, escape St. Christopher's medal, hack watch on custom arm band, bullion wings, theater-made ring, dog tags, diploma
- Various period photographs
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