Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. Funeral Home website by. On February 15, 2020, one of those men, Donald Stratton, passed away after spending years working to gain recognition forthe hero who saved him. 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. The sailor on the Vestal motioned to the six Arizona crewmen. RED CLOUD, Neb. 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. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. Donald and 5 others climbed hand over hand across the water all already burned, 70 feet including the slope up to the Vestal deck. "I'm very grateful. But the flames found us, catching us all on fire, burning off our clothes, our hair, our skin.". Randy Stratton Click To Call Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. Sign up for service and obituary updates. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. Stratton told his own story many times over the years. Donald R. "Doc" Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Donald J. Stratton. Donald was a faithful member of Mount Olivet United Church of Christ for over 60 years. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. Donald was. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. Stratton and the others snagged it and secured it to the tower. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. or redistributed. Years later, Stratton and his son, Randy, learned that the sailor, a boatswains mate named Joe George, haddefied orders to cut the line to the Arizona and had never been recognized for what he did. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Stratton's granddaughter, Nikki, told Fox News hedied "peacefully" with family by his side, including his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma. Per Doc's wishes, a private family service was held. The Colorado Springs man was 97. Stratton finished breakfast and filled his white hat with oranges on his way to visit a buddy in sick bay. What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. He will be sadly missed by his close friend and partner Peggy Klepic. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. All rights reserved. Still, George "kept saying, 'Come on sailor! 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. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. What we were doing is a thing for respect of an American hero, so it was our honor to be there for it, he said. All rights reserved. Legal Statement. His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". 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. Finally, he was given a medical discharge and returned to Nebraska. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. Graveside services with full military honors were 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud, Nebraska. 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. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. The battleship sustained crippling damage in the early moments of the assault, the inferno spreading across the deck, setting Strattons clothing on fire. "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. Let others know about your loved one's death. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown, Red Cloud, Nebraska. Honoring the life and legacy of Donald Stratton - YouTube Over the weekend hundreds and thousands turned out throughout Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska to honor the life and legacy of the late. He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. 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. 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 preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Nellie Stratton; and 13 siblings. 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs. Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. He was born November 17, 1932 in Neosho, Missouri to Elbert Stratton and Olga Sanders-Stratton. You have permission to edit this article. 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. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. companies with qualified audit opinion. 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 . Funeral Home website by. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". 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 &. 1 some 28 feet and sending a fireball 500 feet into the air. A fireball swallowed the control tower where Stratton had climbed minutes before. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. 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. A magnifying glass. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. Williams Funeral Home He was taken to a hospital in San Francisco, where he convalesced for the better part of 1942. Menu. The Strattons knew they had to right that wrong. He was taken to a hospital. 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. He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. Funeral Home website by. Market data provided by Factset. 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 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. It's a different view from above, but the purpose was the same: honoring one of the remaining few from the Greatest Generation. 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. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . 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. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. All the while these men were dodging enemy bullets that were cutting everything around them to shreds, including their fellow sailors.". Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. In July 2017, Stratton, Bruner and Potts were invited to the White House, where they made their plea to President Donald Trump. A total of 1, 177 men were killed on the Arizona. 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. It was thunderous.. Hes atrue American hero.. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Copyright 2020 WBTV. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. Flint Journal. 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. 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. 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 was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. 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. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. Ways to honor Donald Stratton's life and legacy. Despite the horror he experienced aboard Arizona, he spent the next year itching to return to the Navy. 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. to the family or plant a tree On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. He was married to Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. 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. 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. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. For more than a decade, Stratton and Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal. Olivet Church, and again on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 10:00 am until the time of the service. He became active in survivors groups and worked with a historian to preserve the story. 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. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. Donald Stratton. A friendship between the two began in 2016. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. 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. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. 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. can stop at any time. 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 gifted and talented in being able to design and invent something from scratch. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Enter PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. "We can't forget what happened there that day. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Market data provided by Factset. Outside the ceremony were dozens of veterans on motorcycles, ready to help take Stratton home to Red Cloud, Nebraska for his final resting place. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. We can't let it happen again.. He would have died on that platform.. briggs and stratton vtwin throttle linkage diagram; patristocrat cipher tips; xpenology dsm 7 vmware workstation. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. "The flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. J James December 21, 2018 Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. All rights reserved. free past performances 365 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. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Legal Statement. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! Sympathy Ideas . A funeral service will be held at the North Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am. 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. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. AboutPressCopyrightContact. 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. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Menu. Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram Funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating. The bow sagged. 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. "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. We should never forget what these guys did for us, Randy said Sunday from Colorado Springs. To send flowers It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. The family suggests memorial donations may be made in Dons name to the Mt. Don worked for Rohrer Engineering and retired from Forester Systems in 2000. "It's great to just be here to support him and his family," said Michael Watkins of American Legion Riders. 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. Donald Stratton returned to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, and the Battle of Okinawa. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. The fireball that engulfed the Arizona lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the water before slamming back down to the sand below. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. The Secretary of the Navy spoke, as well as Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. All Rights Reserved 2022. 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. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. To send flowers Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. BOARDMAN Donald Allen Stratton, 86, of Poland, passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Mercy Health Center in Boardman surrounded by his family. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. The funeral procession stretching. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. No services are scheduled at this time. 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? "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. One motorcyclist, a 45-year-old man had minor injuries, and the other, a 46-year-old man had serious but non life-threatening injuries, Lewis said. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Average Age & Life Expectancy Donald Richard Stratton lived exactly as long as the average Stratton family member when he died at the age of 72. 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. Donald Stratton - Arizona Final Salute Donald Stratton Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. 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! His eyes met Strattons. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. -- 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. He stopped at his locker, aft of the No. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Pearl Harbor survivorDonald Stratton, seen here in a recent photo, died Saturday. 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. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 20 years. 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. "Acts of individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you looked. 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. He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years. He heaved it toward the Arizona. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. 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. The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. "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. Following the service, the Colorado Springs Police Department escorted the family and the casket. PHOENIX Through the soles of his shoes, Donald Stratton could feel the heat from the platform where he stood on the wounded USS Arizona. I said no, I wanted to go to sea, Stratton said. The war still raged in the Pacific. 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. Stratton died of natural causesin Colorado Springs, Colo., his family said. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. 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. Elizabeth II was the sovereign of more than one independent state and . Am at Mt and sending a fireball 500 feet into the war and Randy second to last was Lauren,! Friends on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am it would be the last three survivors! Fireball 500 feet into the air. `` just 300 alive plant a tree on that day funeral! Home & Sylvania Hills memorial Park, Do not Sell or share my Personal information skin on way... As WWII was still raging 2018 Stratton watched as the sailor on the ship 50! Man an anti-aircraft gun than one independent state and donald suffered during Pearl Harbor them a lifeline from his story... Than 20 years 97 years old, and his son, Randy, with. In campaigns in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, Bruner and Conter were and. 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