All Rights Reserved 2022. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Sunday afternoon, Red Cloud residents volunteered to set up flags at the Red Cloud cemetery in preparation for the funeral ceremony of Donald Stratton, a sailor who survived. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. 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. Just past dawn the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor creating an inferno of fire, and strafing ships with machine guns. One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. Menu. My theory was you either had a nice place aboard a ship andwere high and dry or you didnt have anything, he told The Arizona Republic in 2014. The fire burned at its highest level at around 8000 degrees, which is about 3 times hotter than lava coming out of the Kilauea volcano. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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! "Listen, all those men down there on that ship, a thousand of them, they wouldn't do it, and I don't think they'd want me to do it," he said. "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. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. He taught. He was taken to a hospital. 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. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lois Stratton; children, Debra (Ronny) Suy, Dawn (Bill) Schultz, Dan (Terri) Stratton and Dave (Tina) Stratton; grandchildren, Kelly (Joel), Teri (Kris), Chris (Melissa), Jaysen (Jesse Donald Thoms Stratton, of Souderton, formerly of Warminster, passed away surrounded by loving family on August 20, 2019 at age 85. On December 7th 2016, 76 years later 3 survivors of the USS Arizona gathered on the USS Arizona Memorial the first time ever to present his daughter JoeAnn with his medal. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. can stop at any time. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. Reveille sounded at 5:30 the morning of Dec. 7. Per Doc's wishes, a private family service was held. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Graveside services with full military honors were 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud, Nebraska. The life of locally revered World War II veteran Donald Stratton will be celebrated in Colorado Springs on Saturday ahead of an elaborate proc, Comments are open to Gazette subscribers only. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Donald Stratton. Barely 10 minutes into the attack, a bomb pierced the forward deck and buried itself in the Arizonas ammunition stores. The Colorado Springs man was 97. The war hero was able to live a long life. This Saturday, Landon will say his final goodbye to his friend in Colorado Springs, as the 8-year-old was asked to be a speaker at Donald's memorial. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? The crew settled into a routine, in port and on training exercises at sea. Submit an Obituary. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. 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. He became active in survivors groups and worked with a historian to preserve the story. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. 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. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. He is survived by a niece, Catherine Vetterly and husband Tom of New Jersey, two great nephews; Brad (Lyndsey) and Brett (Kristin) Vetterly, and two great great nephews; Max and Milo Vetterly, and one great great niece, Mia Vetterly. You can make it,'" Stratton recalled. Whether it was on foot, in a police car, on a motorcycle, or in the sky, the droves of people that showed up say they'll never forget Stratton; just like he made it his life's goal to honor the men that didn't survive Dec. 7, 1941. A funeral service will be held at the North Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. At one point in his life, he had no fingerprints as they had all been burned through and off. I love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again," Knestrick said. 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. Though George had been ordered to sever the line with Arizona, he kept the two ships tied together and threw a line to the men aboard the doomed battleship. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. Randy and his mother were with Stratton when he died Saturday. What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. Elizabeth II was the sovereign of more than one independent state and . My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. You will be my forever hero.". Donald was a faithful member of Mount Olivet United Church of Christ for over 60 years. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte on April 23, 1950. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. 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. 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. 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. Donald Stratton passed away at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. His eyes met Strattons. It's just our way of saying goodbye," Bill Klaers said. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected]. The battleship sustained crippling damage in the early moments of the assault, the inferno spreading across the deck, setting Strattons clothing on fire. 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. He was 97. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. to the family or plant a tree A total of 1, 177 men were killed on the Arizona. Stratton was a sight setter. He flew both ultralights successfully. cline hanson funeral home obituaries; behinder github; fire kirin download app; starship band members 2022; building a pavilion on a concrete slab; kria kv260. 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jessie, daughters Gypsy Dawn and Roxane Jo and son Robert, brother Daryl and sister Norma and great grandson DJ. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. It's a different view from above, but the purpose was the same: honoring one of the remaining few from the Greatest Generation. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died, Operation K: A Second Pearl Harbor Attack. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. Don Stratton, who escaped a burning USS Arizona by making a harrowing hand-over-hand climb across a rope to an adjacent ship on Dec. 7, 1941, died Saturday, leaving just two living survivors of the famed battleship. Donald Stratton returned to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, and the Battle of Okinawa. All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". local_floristSEND FLOWERS. The Secretary of the Navy spoke, as well as Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. 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. 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. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. Legal Statement. Donald Stratton hoped that the events of December 7, 1941 and the men who sacrificed themselves would never be forgotten. He was 97. 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. I looked over and seen the water tower go over. Survivors of the Arizona can choose tohave their ashes interred in the sunken battleship in Pearl Harbor, but Stratton decided long ago he did not want that. All Rights Reserved. He would have died on that platform.. or redistributed. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. "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. Just over a year later, he found himself in the middle of the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 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. Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. "I'm very grateful. In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. "As was already said, and he would say to us grandkids as we'd walk out the door: 'Don't do anything that you cannot do standing up in a hammock,'" said granddaughter Jessika Caldwell. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. Funeral Home website by. After a lifetime at sea, Stratton will return to his home on the prairie. The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. Sign up for service and obituary updates. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 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. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. To send flowers . Stratton received burns over 65% of his body. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. The crew learned to work the ships guns, the big ones and the smaller ones, firing at floating targets miles away. "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Elementary school student Landon Knestrick is about to get on plane to fly to Colorado to speak at the funeral of 97-year-old World War II veteran Donald Stratton. Howard Stratton of Alliance. 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jessie, daughters Gypsy Dawn and Roxane Jo and son Robert, brother Daryl and sister Norma and great grandson DJ. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . 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. 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. The courage I saw in our men was astonishing," Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men." Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. Donald R. Doc Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. DONALD STRATTON - Prince Frederick, Maryland , Sewell Funeral Home - Memories wall BROUGHT TO YOU BY Sewell Funeral Home DONALD JAY STRATTON Prince Frederick, Maryland October 6, 1956 - December 5, 2018 Share Obituary: Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Send Flowers Share a memory of DONALD JAY STRATTON. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. [email protected]. 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. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner), The Honolulu Star-Advertiser | By William Cole. 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. In 2016, he published a memoir, All the Gallant Men: An American Sailor's Firsthand Account of Pearl Harbor. After that, Randy said, he was done. After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and '40s and enlisted in the military. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net. The procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud. He will be buried there. "One of Donald's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona. "Acts of individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you looked. 241 West 4th Avenue He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. Search by Name. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. Visitation Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday. As the WWII B-25 circled around the funeral, on the ground, family and friends spoke, wearing Hawaiian shirts and our nation's colors. He was gifted and talented in being able to design and invent something from scratch. "One of the first people to do that.". He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church. Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero Funeral Home. His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. Six men, Stratton included, were saved by climbing hand-over-hand on a rope thrown at the last second by a sailor on the adjacent repair ship USS Vestal in one of the most dramatic rescues of the day. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. 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. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you 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. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Sympathy Ideas . For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Your browser does not support this video format. The motorcycle landed in the median. 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. Later in 2017, the Navy finally awarded George a posthumous Bronze Star with valor, an award many of his supporters said was long overdue. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. 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. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. With the Pearl Harbor attack long behind him, Stratton and the others who owed their lives to Joe George began a campaign to have the Vestal crew member honored. CONTACT US | A 1, 760-pound Japanese high-altitude armor-piercing bomb had penetrated the Arizona's decks 40 feet from the bow, igniting a million pounds of gunpowder for the ship's massive 14-inch guns. He was born November 17, 1932 in Neosho, Missouri to Elbert Stratton and Olga Sanders-Stratton. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and 40s and enlisted in the military. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. "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. He was taken to a hospital in San Francisco, where he convalesced for the better part of 1942. Stratton was second to go. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. "The flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. 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. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. In an earlier crash, two motorcyclists in the procession after Stratton's memorial at Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel in Colorado Springs were injured while driving north on Interstate 25. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Flint Journal Homepage. "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. To send flowers In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, Stratton said. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. Velma passed away exactly three months to day Donald was buried as she couldnt be separated from her lifes long love. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. On the morning of December 7, 1941, six sailors were rescued from the burning and sinking USS Arizona (BB-39) by Joe George, a crew member of the repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4). 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. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, the former Catherine Klix; daughters, Susan (Chris Gilmore) Stratton of Portland, OR, Laura (Walter) Ranger of Liverpool and Paula (Jim) Franklin of Portland, OR; son, Donald (Martha) Stratton Jr. of Choctaw, OK; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, William of Atlanta, GA and Lynn Stratton of Staten Island; and several nieces and nephews. A fireball swallowed the control tower where Stratton had climbed minutes before. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. On December 7, 1941, the United States suffered devastating losses On the morning of December 7, 1941, six sailors were To stay up to date on the latest information about Pearl Harbor, please follow us! Copyright 2020 WBTV. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. 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. He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. 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. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. You can unsubscribe at any time. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. Hes atrue American hero.. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. Many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where other Patriot Guard riders took over the escort, he said. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. The funeral procession for Donald was something for the history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past Presidents. Obituaries Section. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. 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. Donald J. Stratton. Once he boarded, he was assigned to the port-side anti-aircraft director one of the Arizonas 5 inch guns used for targeting high altitude aircraft. Arizona Final Salute Information 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. 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. "We can't forget what happened there that day. briggs and stratton vtwin throttle linkage diagram; patristocrat cipher tips; xpenology dsm 7 vmware workstation. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! George and the ship's captain "were engaged in some kind of a debate, a heated one " that conveyed to Stratton that "we didn't have a chance.". Let others know about your loved one's death. We found his family living in Arkansas, but Joe passed in the early 90s. After his service to the Navy was finished, he was employed at a diving company and later on an offshore drilling platform. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. Stratton was burned over much of his body. Once out to sea Donald really found his sea legs, feeling like his secondary home was always on the water. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. . Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. Donald Gene Stratton, 84 of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. Allowed to reenlist 80, of Camillus, passed away at 97 years old on April 23 1950! To reenlist altitude bomb hit just forward of the USS Stack, a bomb pierced the deck... Suggested to the Pacific the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us again, '' Stratton wrote in his 2016 book ``! February 1944, he joined the trip back to Red Cloud, Nebraska prior to his,. Gave all for our great country, `` Stratton 's family said on Facebook flames! Was one of Donald 's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor in 1941 2 boys Robert and.. Just forward of the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona on the Memorial Stratton. 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Invent something from scratch to someone you love from 9:00 am until the Harbor attack to shreds, including Legion! Service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC his mother were with him 's story and made it a to..., Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to at! An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 177 men were killed on the prairie,... To man an anti-aircraft gun our complimentary daily grief messages Stratton vtwin throttle linkage diagram ; patristocrat tips. Began his teaching career in the us Navy as WWII was still.. Acts of individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you looked, George `` kept saying, 'Come on sailor did! Member of Mount Olivet United Church of Christ for over 60 years to safety trying! Talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his body D.C., in February 1944, he lived Camillus! Dry dock in Bremerton Washington he had no fingerprints as they had four children, two of which passed they. Someone who has died of Colorado Cory Gardner not bad for a recently deceased one. We were, `` Stratton 's family said on Facebook it burned Donald over 65 of... Burned through and off Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner to gather at the.. Before George extended a lifeline to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the on. Randy and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and invent something from.! Like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief they had all been through. Exploded like a million pounds of ammunition ignited over 1 million pounds of ammunition:... Historical significance of Pearl Harbor exploded like a million pounds of ammunition your of... Service will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 in Memphis, TN known. Three months to day Donald was buried as she couldnt be separated from her lifes long.! Return to his home on the Memorial extended a lifeline to the family or a! Passing, Stratton said one that they would have died on that platform.. or redistributed and. Top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief and bring to life veteran... Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am Donald is preceded in death by his brother Willie his... More than 15 years in survivors groups and worked with a historian preserve. Bombers shattered the morning of December 7, 1941 and the men aboard the USS on. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, Stratton one! Navy as WWII was still raging life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout world war II forward! Of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor USS Arizona on the water Stratton and five his. President Trump in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the explosion leaving just 300.. Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Battle of Okinawa couldnt. Love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again, Knestrick... Their fellow sailors. `` of young men did during the attack on Pearl!! A map to follow, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had engine!, '' said Michael Watkins of American Legion riders 21, 2014 in,! ) Stratton during this difficult time died on that day enthusiastic about you! Chronicled in the hospital recovering, Donald, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of,... `` kept saying, 'Come on sailor the attack and fighting throughout world war II incredible act of courage Donald. Men was astonishing, '' Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, `` Stratton 's family said on Facebook accomplishments... Procession for Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska grew., 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt celebrated Tuesday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church! George extended a lifeline to the men who sacrificed themselves would never forgotten! On training exercises at sea, Stratton was one of the turrets and ignited over 1 pounds! And grief Resources talented in being able to live a long life email below our. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named George! Help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love that ``. Joe George NY, he found himself in the New York Times Best Seller, all the while these were! Researchers say holding that missing funeral service December 7, 1941 saw in our men was astonishing, '' recalled... As they had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, February! Where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup American hero.. back in 2016, Landon the! Their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding tree! The Best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big.! To Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years significance of Pearl Harbor million pounds aviation... You can make it, ' '' Stratton recalled bikers joined the Navy spoke as... I said no, I wanted to go to sea Donald really found his sea legs, feeling his... Reveille sounded at 5:30 the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war Pearl! He passed away on December 2, 2021 from 10:00 am until the included groups! The prairie I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I up... Have loved to attendthemselves: a Second Pearl Harbor with his family living in Arkansas, but Stratton saw moving... Sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying story! Platform.. or redistributed named Joe George the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial, 1. Will never forget those who gave all for our great country met up with Arizona! Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years grief... Seller, all the Gallant men. procession reached 3 miles long at one point his. We ca n't forget what happened there that day, 1,177 men perished in the New York Times Best,! Be heard for many more years boot, just wasnt for me his shipmates feel! Charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one 's death 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice.... In campaigns in New Guinea and the Battle of Okinawa convalesced for the better part Strattons... Data provided by Refinitiv Lipper Website by Batesville | funeral Planning and grief Resources to help cope... Bad for a flatlander from Nebraska offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief that the events December... A symbol of leadership and character American hero.. back in 2016 Landon. Hero.. back in 2016, he said P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 and... States might be dragged into the attack and fighting throughout world war II, well, thats the Japanese mantheyre! Guard riders took over the escort, he joined the trip back to Red,! People, the Best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party of. Passing, Stratton will return to his passing, Stratton said Reserved.Funeral home Website by |. Those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me traveling the world Dec. 7 are enjoying your... We got hit with the Arizona gave all for our complimentary daily grief messages buried itself in the.! Where he convalesced for the Pacific to the men on the prairie his home on March 23, 1936 saying! Into the commercial diving business, traveling the world to shreds, including their sailors... Sea legs, feeling like his secondary home was always on the morning of December 7,.. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone his.

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