Remembering Rangers Who Have Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

    Kenneth W. Stauss
    Kenneth W. Stauss
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Kenneth W. Stauss
    Commander, 1st Battalion
    75th Ranger Regiment
    October 29, 1992

    Information and Sentiments

    Bio

    Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth W. Stauss was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2002, for his outstanding service to the United States Army and his demonstrated commitment to Ranger operations. He began his service in 1973 when he was commissioned as an Infantry officer upon graduation from the ROTC Program at the University of Arkansas. Lieutenant Colonel Stauss was the 75th Ranger Regimental Executive Officer during Operation Just Cause. As the Regimental Executive Officer his responsibilities included deploying and operating the Regimental TOC to provide command and control for two simultaneous combat parachute assault airfield seizure operations. He was instrumental in coordinating relief in place efforts with the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 7th Infantry Division (Light) forces that followed Rangers into the theater of operations. Throughout the deployment he led the Regimental staff in developing fragmentary orders for approximately 15 follow-on Ranger operations. As the 1st Ranger Battalion Commander, LTC Stauss deployed the Battalion to Kuwait as part of Operation Iris Gold – an emergency deployment operation designed to demonstrate U.S. resolve and commitment to the region, our allies and Iraqi forces in the wake of the Persian Gulf War. As part of this Operation, the Battalion and elements of the Regimental Headquarters conducted a strategic deployment and parachuted into Ali Al Salem Airfield, conducted an extensive overland movement and culminated with a battalion live fire exercise. The deployment was a broad success, accomplished all goals, and set the tone for Iris Gold as an annual exercise in the Central Command area of responsibility. During his tenure in command he was a strong force in initiating a number of construction projects which serve Rangers today. These include covered rigging facilities, a new motor pool, and a shoot house and Ranger demolition area. He is buried at the National Cemetery at Fort Smith Arkansas—very near the final resting-place of William O. Darby. Lieutenant Colonel Stauss’ selfless service and leadership remains a model for today’s Rangers. It is appropriate that we recognize this great American for his service to the nation and the 75th Ranger Regiment.

    RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

    Burial

    Burial is at the Fort Smith National Cemetery
    Fort Smith Sebastian County, Arkansas
    USA Plot 9, 3958-A