Walter Straus, nationally recognized horseman, equestrian leader and mentor, died July 22. He was 89.
The son a horseman and cavalry officer, Mr. Straus began riding at the age of 7. He pursued his bachelor of arts degree at the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) and immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1938.

By 1942, Mr. Straus was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, serving in the 99th Infantry during World War II. He was honorably discharged as a major and highly decorated war hero in 1946.