The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . Just past dawn the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and strafing ships with machine guns. But the flames found us, catching us all on fire, burning off our clothes, our hair, our skin.". Donald J. Stratton, 19, and several other men were in a metal box 70 feet off the water the port side anti-aircraft "director " where they were in danger of being cooked to death. Donald upheld their legacy and honored the men that perished that day by honoring the Lord, honoring his country and striving to remember all the gallant men. On February 15, 2020, one of those men, Donald Stratton, passed away after spending years working to gain recognition forthe hero who saved him. Two motorists lost their lives in Gove County, Kan., including a member of the Kansas Patriot Guard motorcycle group that was escorting Strattons coffin for burial. This article is written by William Cole from The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publisher network. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. AboutPressCopyrightContact. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. At first, the Navy wouldn't allow Donald to re-enlist due to his medical discharge, however he proved them wrong by going through boot camp a second time. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Donald Stratton as a young sailor in 1940. Donald Stratton, one of the last USS Arizona survivors from Pearl Harbor who fought for the recognition of one of his heroic shipmates, died Saturday night in his sleep, his granddaughter told Fox News. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. On the morning of December 7, 1941, a 19-year-old Donald was beckoned to his battle station as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor sending the Navy's flagship, the USS Arizona to the depths. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. Donald passed away last week at age 97. -- In a tragic update to an already somber occasion, we're learning that two people are dead from separate crashes that happened during the funeral motorcade for Pearl Harbor veteran Donald Stratton. Enter Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The Stratton men called and wrote letters, telling Georges story to anyone who would listen. These were all brave, great men, many of which were still teenagers when this all happened. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. 2023 Williams Funeral Homes. They moved back to California briefly and then settled in Colorado Springs. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. to the family or plant a tree After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. [1] [2] [3] He was in the port gun director of the ship USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when an armor-piercing bomb set off the ship's forward ammunition magazine. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. A year later, he reenlisted. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. On Dec. 7, Stratton, Bruner and Conter watched on board the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor as theNavy awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star for Valor. His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. Donalds life was chronicled in the book All the Gallant Men which can be found online and your local book stores. debbie.kelley@gazette.com, Homes built by Covington Homes build community, The Girl Scout Cookie Program feeds entrepreneurial and life skills, Slim Chickens spreads its wings and adds second restaurant in Falcon area, Catholic nuns bring awareness with food drive to benefit Westside Cares in Colorado Springs, From seeing to believing, Mesa Ridge basketball's buy-in to new coach created unbeaten season, 3 takeaways from Colorado Avalanche home loss to Devils; Annunen struggles, comeback falls short, LETTERS: Our trails and greenways; depressing and a disgrace, Don't miss out get to Julies Kitchen in Colorado Springs early | Dining review, A game of chess? He was skilled in mechanics and during his lifetime built two ultralight airplanes in which he modified the engines in both. He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . Obituary BOARDMAN - Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman surrounded by his family. To send flowers To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. All rights reserved. The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! Donald G. Stratton, was born July 14, 1922 in Inavale, Nebraska to Robert and Jessie Stratton and upon graduation from high school in Red Cloud, he enlisted in the Navy and was a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Arizona. The funeral procession stretching. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. "I threw a line over.". RED CLOUD, Neb. His eyes met Strattons. The funeral liturgy for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2018 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine Street in Appleton, with Fr. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. "Plus all the others in all the other wars.". Search by Name. On the morning of December 7, 1941, a 19-year-old Donald was beckoned to his battle station as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor sending the Navy's flagship, the USS Arizona to the depths. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, Stratton said. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. Stratton, then a seaman 1st class, described it in his book, "All the Gallant Men, " as a "great sucking sound, like a whoosh " that rocked the ship with concussive force. Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. At first, the Navy wouldn't allow Donald to re-enlist due to his medical discharge, however he proved them wrong by going through boot camp a second time. Doc began his meat processing career in Westhope and through they years he worked as a meat cutter in numerous places through out North Dakota and Minnesota.He is survived by his companion, Jo Anne Freeberg of Roseville; daughter, Michelle Lafond (Jonas) of Auburn, GA; son, Marc Stratton (Susan) of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Cody Lafond and Kyle and Rylee Stratton; brothers, Bill Stratton (LeRae) of Westhope, Duane Stratton (Nancy) of Lakeville, MN and Keith Stratton (Donna) of Westhope; sister, Tudi Henderson (Ken) of Velva; one uncle; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins; and step-mother, Deloras Stratton.He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris Stratton and niece Morgan Stratton.Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Westhope. Donald J. Stratton. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. After the war, he returned home for a while, but he felt the call of the sea again and went to work on an oil ship off California. Family flowers only, donations, if desired may be given for Stroke Association, by retiring . Funeral Home website by. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. Donald Stratton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Flint Journal. My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950. The license plate readUSS ARIZ, and amural on a white bed cover depicted the USS Arizona and the memorial that floats above it in Pearl Harbor. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte on April 23, 1950. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. My heart goes out for the families, as well as all those who sacrificed for their great country so I could be writing this right now! Donald Stratton Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Donald Stratton (Red Cloud, Nebraska), born in Inavale, Nebraska, who passed away on February 15, 2020 at the age of 97. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. Market data provided by Factset. After years of striving to recognize Joe for his heroism that day, Donald, Lauren Bruner and their families, stood aboard the USS Arizona Memorial December 7, 2018 to posthumously honor Joe George with a Bronze Star with a V. The courage and bravery of Joe and the grit and grace of Donald has weaved together a precious community of families that hope to keep the memory of Pearl Harbor alive. Donald Stratton (July 14, 1922 - February 15, 2020) was an American veteran and memoirist of World War II who served in the United States Navy 's Pacific Fleet. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. Mr. Donald G. Stratton, was born July14, 1922 in Inavale, NE to Robert and Jessie Stratton and upon graduation from high school in Red Cloud, he enlisted in the Navy and was a Seaman First Class aboard the USS Arizona. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. He heaved it toward the Arizona. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. Numerous flags and people were lined along the route to honor the veteran as the motorcade passed through. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. Donald Stratton held many titles: a veteran, a survivor, a hero. Funeral Home website by. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. The Kansas Highway Patrol identified the motorcyclist as 65-year-old Lennie Riedel of Colby, Kan., who lost control of his Harley-Davidson and laid the bike over on Interstate 70. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. With his death, only two survivors remain from the last crew of the USS Arizona: Lou Conter, 98, of Grass Valley, California, and Ken Potts, 98, of Provo, Utah. Donald R. Doc Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Menu. Were all just extremely sad, said Randy Wittmer, a member of the Colorado Patriot Guard who attended Strattons funeral but did not ride in the procession following the service. A fireball swallowed the control tower where Stratton had climbed minutes before. "He gave us his words, through 'All the Gallant Men,' that will never be forgottenand you will never be forgotten," said Stratton's son, Randy. The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. A total of 1, 177 men were killed on the Arizona. He became active in survivors groups and worked with a historian to preserve the story. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. can stop at any time. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. USS Arizona crew member and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton was honored with a memorial service Saturday morning in Colorado Springs. CONTACT US | I love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again," Knestrick said. quest diagnostics 32791n. Go read his book, know the sacrifices they made for you. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. This article originally appeared on The Republic | azcentral.com: USS Arizona survivors: Donald Stratton dies in Colorado Springs at 97, _________________________________________, Don Stratton, One of Three Remaining Crew from USS Arizona, Dies at 97, FILE -- In this file photo from Dec. 7, 2016, Donald Stratton, center, a USS Arizona survivor shakes the hand of an admirer at Kilo Pier next to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu. . We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! "We proceeded to go hand over hand across the line about 70 feet" off the burning warship, Stratton said, adding that the toughest part was reaching the middle of the sagging line stretched across two ships, and climbing up to the other ship. He will be buried there. In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. Donald Gene Stratton, 84 of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. local_floristSEND FLOWERS. FOR DONALD STRATTON Aug 13 Service 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Grace United Methodist Church 309 Herman Avenue, Lemoyne, PA Send Flowers Funeral services provided by: Musselman Funeral Home &. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. Helping USS Arizona Survivors and their Families. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 I looked over and seen the water tower go over. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! You have permission to edit this article. It was thunderous.. Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram Funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". Finally, he was given a medical discharge and returned to Nebraska. free past performances 365 Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. A sailor on the ship, a supply vessel called the USS Vestal, was about to cut the line when he saw the six men on the tower. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. In 2017, Stratton, Bruner and Potts met at the Pentagon with the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, secretary of defense and chief of naval operations to honor George. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. Menu. 241 West 4th Avenue They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. In the book, Donald references a poem that was placed in the wallet of Eleanor Roosevelt where it reads, Somehow out there, A man died for me today. J James December 21, 2018 It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. DONALD EUGENE STRATTON FUNERAL HOME Swartz Funeral Home - Flint 1225 West Hill Road Flint, MI DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene born August. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. The Secretary of the Navy spoke, as well as Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. All rights reserved. Donald Stratton. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. He cranked a gauge in front of him and yelled the coordinates to the gun crew. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. Howard Stratton of Alliance. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Stratton is survived by his brother Willie, his son Randy Stratton, his wife, Velma, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was 97. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. or redistributed. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Stratton told his own story many times over the years. Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? A motorcyclist escorting the body of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton to his hometown in Nebraska died in a crash Saturday in Kansas, authorities said. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. He saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. Flint Journal Homepage. "We can't forget what happened there that day. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. The Navy veteran said it wasn't until 2001, during a reunion of Pearl Harbor survivors,that he discovered the identity of the U.S. service member who saved his life and the lives of at least five other sailors: Chief Petty OfficerJoe George, who died in 1996. BOARDMAN Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman surrounded by his family. Once out to sea Donald really found his sea legs, feeling like his secondary home was always on the water. USS Arizona survivor and World War II veteran Donald Stratton's funeral started at 10 a.m.., and hundreds showed up to pay their respects, even in mid-air. As he had ignored a direct order, it wasnt until Stratton and the others spoke up that he was awarded with a Bronze Star in 2017. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. The bow sagged. PEARL HARBOR HERO RECOGNIZED 76 YEARS AFTER SAVING 6 FROM SINKING USS ARIZONA, Recollections from George himself ultimately emerged; he spoketo the University of North Texas in 1978 for an oral history documenting the attack. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. "As they shot through the two openings of the enclosure, we shielded ourselves by taking shelter under some of the equipment, our hands covering our mouths and eyes. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Nikki Stratton Send Email, [fts_facebook type=page id=289485248175495 access_token=EAAP9hArvboQBAEi1R1HgHwQjvEYQNPEGpuPOABmjB9K4EBjkJe4hgR8vKFO73Y68qsB12SciZCXlQUKqM3Bo6j0aRaBTttEAZCTmmbAbnArwdMNWflcFJf4ojDXaid7TYrrnDXwP4IbFjzO9kuPtRRZBhNJF1fBwO7xY4aysvP6KidXpvYQGzElcSOgZCY4ZD posts=10 height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only]. juniper vlan tagging vs trunking. The crew settled into a routine, in port and on training exercises at sea. He then graduated from the University of South Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and worked as a certified critical care nurse for 32 years.