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Carl Struthers was a chauffeur before he enlisted at Camp Dodge, Iowa on 27 March 1944.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: For gallantry in action while serving with the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, in action near Flanizoulle, Belgium, on 12 January 1945. Pvt Struthers was a member of a bazooka team which was in a company attack on a woods outside of a Belgian town. As Pvt Struthers advanced, his bazooka was struck by pieces of flying shrapnel that tore holes in the tube. At this point German tanks started counter-attacking. Both Pvt Struthers and his team mate knew that the tanks must be stopped. They also knew that their weapon might blow up in their faces due to the holes torn in it. Nevertheless, without thought for personal safety, they fired in an attempt to stop the tanks. The weapon blew up and both were instantly killed. This gallantry inspired their company successfully to repulse the German counter-attack. The Military Service ranks the gallantry of Pvt Struthers among its proudest traditions.