He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. All rights reserved. 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. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". "I'm very grateful. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. . He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Funeral Home website by. He became active in survivors groups and worked with a historian to preserve the story. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. While on the Arizona the Tradewinds began to blow some of the smoke away, and the sailors got the attention of a sailor on the USS Vestal, named Joe George. RED CLOUD, Neb. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? 16 years later, and many many many conversations with Navy Command, the Strattons were able to secure a medal the Bronze Star with Valor to Joe George. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. Per Doc's wishes, a private family service was held. 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. Donalds life was chronicled in the book All the Gallant Men which can be found online and your local book stores. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. 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! (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner), The Honolulu Star-Advertiser | By William Cole. Conter, who was on the stern of the battleship when the big bomb hit, returned to Pearl Harbor for the most recent Dec. 7 observance, in part to be present for the interment of fellow crew member Lauren Bruner. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. in memory of Donald G Stratton, please visit our floral store. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. "We can't forget what happened there that day. Friends will be received on Saturday from 11am until the time of funeral services at 1pm at the SAUL - GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68 Rochester (Adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum.) "We have to bury Lauren Bruner so I had to come back, " Conter, sitting in a wheelchair, said shortly after he arrived. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Donald Stratton as a young sailor in 1940. We found his family living in Arkansas, but Joe passed in the early 90s. Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. "One thing is for certain : Had Joe George not stood up for us, had he not been a rebel and refused to cut the line connecting the Vestal to the Arizona, we would have been cooked to death, " Stratton wrote. The. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. He heaved it toward the Arizona. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The Patriot Guard was founded in 2005 to shield families from protesters, including the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kan., during funerals for fallen service members. Stratton would learn that George, who died in 1996, had defied orders to cut the Vestals line, a decision that likely cost him a commendation. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. He is now part of our national memory.". The attack left Stratton with burns over 60 percent of his body, costing him his fingerprints and leaving permanent scars. But George stood his ground, and the six men, although badly burned, were able to climb hand over hand above oily, burning water to safety. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We should never forget what these guys did for us, Randy said Sunday from Colorado Springs. Stratton DONALD G. STRATTON July 14, 1922 February 15, 2020 Mr. Donald G. Stratton, was born July 14, 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. In July 2017, Stratton, Bruner and Potts were invited to the White House, where they made their plea to President Donald Trump. 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. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. A funeral service will be held at the North Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. It was thunderous.. His great grandchildren were so blessed to have spent precious years hearing his stories: Nathan Hernandez, Jax Brewer, Robert Stratton, Kennedy Stratton, Emersyn Caldwell, Bryce Caldwell and Boden Caldwell. Elizabeth II undertook a number of state and official visits over her 70-year reign (1952 to 2022), as well as trips throughout the Commonwealth, making her the most widely travelled head of state in history.She did not require a British passport for travelling overseas, as all British passports were issued in her name. "One of the first people to do that.". We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! 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Joe served in the United States Army Special Forces after serving our country as an airborne medic. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and '40s and enlisted in the military. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. "One of Donald's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona. Arizona Final Salute Information Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. They fired all 12 guns to the port side of the ship one time and moved us sideways in the water 30 or 60 feet or so, said Stratton, who was a Seaman 1st Class by then. 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. 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. Donald J. He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. 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. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. We can't let it happen again.. 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. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . All Rights Reserved 2022. The average age of a Stratton family member is 72. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. "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. Menu. He flew both ultralights successfully. He was gifted and talented in being able to design and invent something from scratch. He would have died on that platform.. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. "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. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Donald reenlisted in the Navy, went through boot camp a second time, and was stationed on the USS Stack for the remainder of the war. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Six men huddled on the port side fire control tower, burned badly, trapped as the ship sank in the shallow waters near Honolulu that day, Dec. 7, 1941. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . BOARDMAN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) - Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman, surrounded by his family. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs. 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. Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. local_floristSEND FLOWERS. Williams Funeral Home or redistributed. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com. Stratton was a sight setter. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. His legacy will forever be cherished in the lives of his grandchildren: Dana Stratton, Kimberly Brewer, Robert Stratton Jr., (Becky), Jessika Caldwell (Tony) and Nicole Stratton. In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. 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. After boot camp, he was sent to the Navy shipyards in Bremerton, Washington, where he got his first look at the Arizona, in dry dock undergoing maintenance and, most people assumed, being fitted for war. A total of 1, 177 men were killed on the Arizona. Born in Pittston, PA, Donald was the son of the late Jean Watson and Alfred North Stratton, and brother of the late Robert Watson Stratton. Market data provided by Factset. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. 2023 PearlHarbor.Org is under the ownership of Mauka Tours LLC effective May 1, 2021. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Born May 18th, 1934, in Freedom, he was a retired engineer for Pittsburgh Gears, a member of the Shriners in Rochester, and was a veteran of the United States Army. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Stratton was burned over much of his body. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. Velma passed away exactly three months to day Donald was buried as she couldnt be separated from her lifes long love. He and other survivors gathered together and signaled for help, which caught the attention of Joe George aboard the nearby USS Vestal. Now only Lou Conter and Ken Potts remain to continue sharing their memories of the events of December 7, 1941 and the Pearl Harbor attack that launched the United States into World War II. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. 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. In conjunction with the Dec. 7 ceremony that year, the deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet presented a Bronze Star with "V " Device for Valor to George's daughter, Joe Ann Taylor, aboard the USS Arizona Memorial. free past performances 365 "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. 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 explosion blew apart the forward decks, collapsing turret No. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. While he enjoyed riding in his side by side the many miles of trails with his wife, he met many fellow campers there who became special friends. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. Nikki Stratton Send Email, [fts_facebook type=page id=289485248175495 access_token=EAAP9hArvboQBAEi1R1HgHwQjvEYQNPEGpuPOABmjB9K4EBjkJe4hgR8vKFO73Y68qsB12SciZCXlQUKqM3Bo6j0aRaBTttEAZCTmmbAbnArwdMNWflcFJf4ojDXaid7TYrrnDXwP4IbFjzO9kuPtRRZBhNJF1fBwO7xY4aysvP6KidXpvYQGzElcSOgZCY4ZD posts=10 height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only]. Of our national memory. `` incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow Survivor Lauren Bruner were by. Landon heard the veteran 's story and made it a goal to him. Secured to the tower, the best send-off is one that they would have to., Velma, and his son Randy Donald 's final wishes was that people remember Harbor! Loved to attendthemselves: a big party country as an airborne medic minutes since an air ambush brought war Pearl! 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