WWII Hero Rollin Thomas Steinmetz, Jr.  Capt Rollin Thomas Steinmetz, Jr., 1944 |
This page was inspired by Rollin T. Steinmetz's daughter, Suzanne Steinmetz Bowes. She wrote: "I would like to add my father, Rollin Thomas Steinmetz JR to the military records. He was appointed to West Point, graduated in 1942 and received the Bronze Star for his distinguished service to our country. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia."~*~*~
Rollin T. Steinmetz, Jr was born June 17, 1918 to Rollin Thomas Steinmetz, Sr (1890-1952) and Dr. Tjode Grothaus DDS. The father served with the Army of Occupation in France during World War I. Following discharge from the service, he established the Steinmetz Electric Shop in Buffalo Center. Dr. Tjode Steinmetz graduated from the College of Dentistry, State University of Iowa (now Univ. of Iowa) in 1914. She was only the 3rd woman dentist in the State of Iowa. She practiced in Buffalo Center for 57 years.
In addition to Rollin Thomas Steinmetz, Jr., known to friends as "Beau", the Steinmetz's had two other children: John Grothaus Steinmetz (1933-1968) and Trayce Corrine Steinmetz (ca1921-1925).
In July 1938 Rollin entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating as a 2nd Lt. on May 29, 1942. His first assignment after graduation was the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. He served with distinction with Gen. George Patton's Third Army in Europe and in 1958-59 served in Vietnam as U.S. Army Advisor to the Vietnamese Military School System. He had a twenty-seven year military career attaining the rank of Colonel. He was the recipient of many awards and decorations: Silver Star, Purple Heart, French Croix de Guerre, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit.After retirement, August 1, 1969, Col. Steinmetz lived in Okinawa working for a Far East import-export firm.
He married twice and has two children: Rollin T. Steinmetz III and Suzanne Steinmetz. He died March 3, 1985 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Additional information and another photo of Rollin T. Steinmetz Jr can be found on this website on the Military Academy appointees page.
Lt Col Rollin Thomas Steinmetz, Jr., 1955
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~Information extracted & transcribed from articles published in the Buffalo Center Tribune by S. Ferrall for Winnebago County IAGenWeb.
