A son of an Army officer, Colonel Schroeder was born at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and raised on various posts from Hawaii to Connecticut. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and received a master's degree in industrial engineering from Ohio State University.

He also was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.

An artillery officer, he served in Germany, Korea and Vietnam, where he was a battalion commander during the war there.

His military decorations include three Legion of Merits, six Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal and seven Air Medals.

Colonel Schroeder, who lived permanently in Washington since 1978, retired from active military duty in 1980. He then joined General Research Corp., which later became AT&T Government Solutions. His various assignments at the Vienna-based company included manager of the technical support group.

He was active with genealogical societies, most recently serving as treasurer of the National Society of Descendants of the Lords of the Maryland Manors.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Margaret Schroeder of Washington; and two sons, Robert Schroeder of Oak Grove and W. David Schroeder of Port Canaveral, Florida.

On Friday, May 21, 2004, COLONEL ROBERT LEWIS SCHROEDER, USA (Ret.). He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Margaret B. Schroeder; his sons, Robert L., Jr. of Oak Grove, Virginia and W. David of Port Canaveral, Florida. Funeral services will be held at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia on Monday, August 2, 2004 at 11 a.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Reception to follow at Spates Hall, Fort Myer. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in his memory to the Association of Graduates, United States Military Academy, 698 Mills Rd., West Point, New York 10996.