Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG®, AGL™, is a military historian and professional genealogist. My research expertise is recognized in the judicial systems of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, where I provide testimony as an expert witness in kinship and forensic estate investigation. In addition to my courtroom experience, I lecture at numerous universities, conferences, and institutes. I have a B.A. in history with a concentration on the Civil War from Shepherd University in West Virginia. I also have an M.A. in history, where I studied military history from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, with my thesis titled: Ever Under Steam: The Revenue Cutter Service in the Spanish American War. This organization served as the predecessor to the United States Coast Guard, established in 1915. I have authored multiple publications, including books and edited collections, peer-reviewed journal articles, public history writing, blogs, and book reviews, that demonstrate my academic background in military history.