Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth W. Stauss
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Burial is at the Fort Smith National Cemetery
Fort Smith Sebastian County, Arkansas
USA Plot 9, 3958-A
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.