He was in the United States Navy as Lieutenant Commander during World War I from 1917 to 1919.

[1] Strum was nominated by President Herbert Hoover on February 21, 1931, to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, to a new seat created by 46 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 28, 1931, and received his commission on March 2, 1931.

His service was terminated on October 3, 1950, due to his elevation to the Fifth Circuit.

[1] Strum was nominated by President Harry S. Truman on September 14, 1950, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit vacated by Judge Curtis L. Waller.