Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. Submit an Obituary. CONTACT US | Donald will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! 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.) Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. 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. Menu. He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. He was 97. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. "Acts of individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you looked. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. 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 fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. 2023 PearlHarbor.Org is under the ownership of Mauka Tours LLC effective May 1, 2021. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. "The flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. -- 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. Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. We can't let it happen again.. Donald was. Donald passed away last week at age 97. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. Stratton's granddaughter, Nikki, told Fox News hedied "peacefully" with family by his side, including his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma. All Rights Reserved. New downtown Colorado Springs transit center plans updated, councilman calls it a 'boondoggle', Colorado Springs high school student arrested after allegedly bringing loaded gun to school. 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. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. "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. His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. Per Doc's wishes, a private family service was held. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and 40s and enlisted in the military. He was 97. Donald Stratton died in his sleep several weeks ago at the age of 97. He would have died on that platform.. Donald J. Market data provided by Factset. The crew settled into a routine, in port and on training exercises at sea. 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. In his dining room in Colorado Springs, he kept a replica of a diving helmet, the kind divers on his crew used. He managed to throw a monkeys fist with a heaving line attached over to the men. 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. 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. Market data provided by Factset. "We are profoundly sad to say that last night, Feb. 15, USS Arizona Survivor Donald Stratton passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma, and his son Randy, " Pearl Harbor National Memorial Daniel Martinez, chief historian for the memorial, said, "God bless him and his beloved family. Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. "If anyone deserved a Medal of Honor that day, in my opinion, it was him.". He was 97, a tweet from USS Arizona said. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. 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. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, Stratton said. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. Donald Stratton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. The bow sagged. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. officiating. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. He was gifted and talented in being able to design and invent something from scratch. 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. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Donald Stratton held many titles: a veteran, a survivor, a hero. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. 1 some 28 feet and sending a fireball 500 feet into the air. [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. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. For more than a decade, Stratton and Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. quest diagnostics 32791n. STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene - Mt. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. 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. Services Sunday . 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. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. He heaved it toward the Arizona. 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. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. The Secretary of the Navy spoke, as well as Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner. All Rights Reserved 2022. A year later, he reenlisted. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. 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. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. 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. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. A fireball swallowed the control tower where Stratton had climbed minutes before. J James December 21, 2018 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. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. You will be my forever hero.". He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mildred; daughter Becky (Brad) Bierdeman; son Allen (Jodie) Stratton; Grandchildren Brennan Stratton, Zac White and Marissa White; and great grandchildren Lucy, Zander, and Tatum. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Olivet United Church of Christ, 410 W. South Range Rd, North Lima. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. 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. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". I looked over and seen the water tower go over. 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. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. 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. "We can't forget what happened there that day. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. Elizabeth II was the sovereign of more than one independent state and . He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. It was thunderous.. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. in memory of Donald A. Stratton, please visit our floral store. Just over a year later, he found himself in the middle of the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The family suggests memorial donations may be made in Dons name to the Mt. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Donald Stratton returned to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, and the Battle of Okinawa. He is survived by his brother Willie and his son Randy Stratton (Kathy) and wife Velma. The procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud. 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. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. 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. can stop at any time. 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. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. Many putting out fires on board their ships. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 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. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. 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