Foil: 22 Panel: 2 Column: 1 Line: 24

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
MSgt. Michael Steinkraus

Major General Lawrence W. Steinkraus, USAF (Nov. 22, 1922 - Dec. 4, 1992)
General Steinkraus was born in Cambridge Massachusetts; he entered aviation cadet training in March of 1942. He received his pilot wings and commission as a 2nd Lt. in February of 1943. He served as a flying instructor and B-29 pilot during WWII, General Steinkraus had a number of assignments and served as B-29 and B-50 bomber engineering test pilot at Robins AFB, Georgia. Chief manpower and organization at the newly established Armament Test center at Eglin, AFB, Florida and was appointed Commander of the atomic test squadron at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico where he deployed his Squadron to Eniwetok and the Marshall Islands for the initial drogue development work on atomic weapons. He returned to Eglin and was Chief of training the newly organized 4135th Strategic Wing flying as Instructor pilot in the B-52. Serving in a variety of positions including the IG and the Joint Chiefs in Washington, D.C. he was selected as Wing Commander for the 319th BW, Grandforks AFB, ND, 379th BW, Wurtsmith AFB, MI and the 22nd BW, March AFB, CA. He was assigned to Hq Strategic Air Command at Offutt AFB, Nebraska as Director of Command Control and later became Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Logistics.
After receiving his 2nd star General Steinkraus assumed duties as Deputy Director for Operations, Command and Control, Operations Directorate, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Known as the Godfather of SAC, General Steinkraus was a dedicated commander, pilot, father and husband, his career spanned over 30 years serving his country and improving the life of the Airman and aviators who he had the honor of leading. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery and his love of country, the Air Force and his family will always be with us. This plaque is in Honor of our Father.
Lawrence Jr., Eric, Michael and Ashley Steinkraus