Michael Stroff,

Michael John Stroff, Jr. Lt. Col. USAF (Ret) Age 86, of Fairfax County, Virginia died Thursday, October 19, 2006 at the Gainesville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his wife, Maryabelle; two daughters, Reine Evans (Robert) and Althea Mager; a son, Lt. Col. Michael J. Stroff, III. (Elaine); four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Lt. Col. Stroff enlisted in the Army in 1937 and served in the U.S. Army Artillery until he was selected for flight training in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps 8th Air Force, 92nd Bomb Group in World War II and was shot down on December 31, 1943. He was captured on January 2, 1944 and was a POW for the remainder of the war. In Korea, he was in charge of Bomber Gunnery Training and became the test and maintenance officer for World War II bombers being returned to flight status for use in the Korean Conflict. In Vietnam, he was assigned to the 834th Air Division who supported ground operations in the Republic of Vietnam. His squadron provided critical support for Marine and Army units throughout Vietnam. He retired as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force with 33 years of active service to his country. After retiring from the military, he became president of Flatwoods Outfitters, s sporting goods company in North Carolina, service in this position until his passing. Lt. Colonel Michael J. Stroff Jr. was a great American who embodied all that is good for dedicated service to the country he loved. Lt. Colonel Stroff was a command pilot who was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Air Medal and numerous decorations for service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The family will receive friends at Pierce-Price Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Va. on Monday, October 23, 2006 from 6-8 P.M. A mass will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at 10 a.m. Lt. Colonel Stroff will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors on December 4 at 3:00 P.M. The family request in lieu of flowers tax deductible donations be sent to Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730-9506 Email: memorial@crazyhorse.org

Michael Stroff,

April 7, 1920 - October 19, 2006