Schroder named to heritage hall of fame

Walter Schroder

Historian and former island resident Walter K. Schroder was inducted to the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame during an April 28 ceremony at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet.

Schroder was one of eight honorees inducted at the event and was introduced by retired Army Gen. Richard J. Valente.

Schroder has published five books, including "Defenses of Narragansett Bay in WWII," "Davisville and the Seabees," and "Dutch Island and Fort Greble." His autobiography, "Stars and Swastikas; the Boy Who Wore Two Uniforms," has been the subject of many Rhode Island school projects. Schroder was born in Pawtucket to German immigrant parents, and later returned to Germany, where he was drafted into the German army. He was captured by the British and served them as a POW interpreter. Later, after returning to Rhode Island, Schroder served 32-years in the Department of Defense and was awarded the Navy's Superior Civilian Service Medal.

Schroder's newest book is, "Hessian Occupation of Newport and Rhode Island, 1776-1779."

Schroder is now a resident of North Kingstown.