"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. In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. free past performances 365 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. Heroic Pearl Harbor sailor honored with Bronze Star, wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men. 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. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@newscred.com. He heaved it toward the Arizona. 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. Donald J. Stratton, age 70, of Mayville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at James E. Cartwright Care Center in Saginaw, MI. Mr. Franklin was a 1938 graduate of Osgood High School and was an Army veteran of WWII where he served in the 119th Infantry Regiment and the 30th Infantry Division. Stratton. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. officiating. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. He was skilled in mechanics and during his lifetime built two ultralight airplanes in which he modified the engines in both. Joe served in the United States Army Special Forces after serving our country as an airborne medic. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. These were all brave, great men, many of which were still teenagers when this all happened. Williams Funeral Home He flew both ultralights successfully. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. 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. AboutPressCopyrightContact. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner), The Honolulu Star-Advertiser | By William Cole. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. I love you and I hope you are enjoying making your shipmates laugh once again," Knestrick said. [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. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Stratton could not. As the WWII B-25 circled around the funeral, on the ground, family and friends spoke, wearing Hawaiian shirts and our nation's colors. The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. Donald A. Stratton, 60, of 560 E. Garwood St., died yesterday at 6:30 p.m. in Alliance City hospital following an illness of one week. J James December 21, 2018 "I'll come out every year I can until I'm gone.". Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. Donald Stratton is survived by his wife of 69 years, four children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue to share his stories of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the heroes who emerged that day. companies with qualified audit opinion. 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. 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. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. 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. The attack left Stratton with burns over 60 percent of his body, costing him his fingerprints and leaving permanent scars. "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. All Rights Reserved 2022. 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. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. The order had been given for the Vestal to cut loose from the Arizona and head for open water, Stratton said in his book. He is now part of our national memory.". 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. 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. Market data provided by Factset. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. All rights reserved. Donald Thoms Stratton, of Souderton, formerly of Warminster, passed away surrounded by loving family on August 20, 2019 at age 85. All rights reserved. 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. The crew learned to work the ships guns, the big ones and the smaller ones, firing at floating targets miles away. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. Still others in small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the water. "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. He was 97, a tweet from USS Arizona said. My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. 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. 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. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. "We can't forget what happened there that day. He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. 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. Hes atrue American hero.. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more than a decade, Stratton and Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal. Donald J. PHOENIX Through the soles of his shoes, Donald Stratton could feel the heat from the platform where he stood on the wounded USS Arizona. Stratton received burns over 65% of his body. 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. 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 &. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. Stratton and the others snagged it and secured it to the tower. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Copyright 2020 WBTV. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. 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. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. Joe George saved 6 lives that day, and was never awarded for his heroism until 76 years later. Donald Stratton held many titles: a veteran, a survivor, a hero. "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. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Donald Stratton to pay them a last tribute. Hundreds honor Donald Stratton on ground, in air, and on motorcycle for funeral, Persons of interest identified after 2 juveniles shot and killed in Falcon, New details released following shootout with suspect and El Paso County deputies near Colorado Springs, Parent speaks out against Woodland Park 6th grade changes, WATCH - Penrose Library reopened, deemed safe following further testing for meth residue. 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. Donald Stratton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. 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. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. 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.". Your email will not be used for any other purpose. He cranked a gauge in front of him and yelled the coordinates to the gun crew. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Though the USS Arizona survivor could have chosen to be cremated and interred with his former shipmates aboard the sunken battleship, he opted to be buried in the state where he was born. 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. 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. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. quest diagnostics 32791n. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. 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. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. The family suggests memorial donations may be made in Dons name to the Mt. He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950. 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. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. 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. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. CONTACT US | Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. . Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram Funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On February 15, 2020, one of those men, Donald Stratton, passed away after spending years working to gain recognition forthe hero who saved him. Don loved being outdoors and in his beloved hobby shop where he spent countless hours with his son Allen where they would work meticulously on various projects. Following the service, the Colorado Springs Police Department escorted the family and the casket. 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. Donald R. Doc Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. You can unsubscribe at any time. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. The. Randy and his mother were with Stratton when he died Saturday. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Is comparing Colorado Springs' and Denver's homeless populations fair or unfair? Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. He was one of three known living crew members of the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the surprise attack by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. Let others know about your loved one's death. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. -- 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. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. 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