DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. 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. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Receive a notification when services are updated. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. "We can't forget what happened there that day. He flew both ultralights successfully. Don Stratton, a founding member of the Krewe of Armeinius, passed away on August 30, 2021 at his home in New Orleans, one day before his 77th birthday. 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. Agawam - Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. 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. A friendship between the two began in 2016. 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. He will be sadly missed by his close friend and partner Peggy Klepic. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. Stratton told his own story many times over the years. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. Copyright 2020 WBTV. homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation motorcycle lcd display repair; 4 branches of aba girl lifts her shirt video; deduct for 3 inch emt 90 sarf and nahw books pdf; shook39s funeral home lincoln power mig 260 vs miller 255; 2014 silverado body control module location markydaysaid ehentai; hoss wood boiler reviews serbian red ak grip Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram Funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Dave began his. 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. ". We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. For more than a decade, Stratton and Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Donald Stratton passed away at age 72 years old on April 9, 2008. The attack on Dec. 7, 1941, attack killed 1,177 sailors and Marines on the mighty battleship, sparing 335. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. His memoir, All the Gallant Men, detailed the Pearl Harbor attack, including the injuries he suffered, the heroism of Joe George, his recovery, and his return to war. For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. In time, he tried to let go of his anger toward the Japanese, but he could never forget what happened. "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. 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. 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. The Arizona motored through the Pacific to the sandy beaches of Honolulu Hawaii and Pearl Harbor not bad for a flatlander from Nebraska. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. On February 15, 2020, one of those men, Donald Stratton, passed away after spending years working to gain recognition forthe hero who saved him. 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. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. 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. They moved back to California briefly and then settled in Colorado Springs. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. 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. 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. Donald Stratton, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. Nikki Stratton Send Email, [fts_facebook type=page id=289485248175495 access_token=EAAP9hArvboQBAEi1R1HgHwQjvEYQNPEGpuPOABmjB9K4EBjkJe4hgR8vKFO73Y68qsB12SciZCXlQUKqM3Bo6j0aRaBTttEAZCTmmbAbnArwdMNWflcFJf4ojDXaid7TYrrnDXwP4IbFjzO9kuPtRRZBhNJF1fBwO7xY4aysvP6KidXpvYQGzElcSOgZCY4ZD posts=10 height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only]. His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. In July 2017, Stratton, Bruner and Potts were invited to the White House, where they made their plea to President Donald Trump. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. Market data provided by Factset. Stratton, 97, a Colorado Springs resident, died Feb. 15. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. 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. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. 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. The battleship sustained crippling damage in the early moments of the assault, the inferno spreading across the deck, setting Strattons clothing on fire. companies with qualified audit opinion. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. On December 7, 1941, Mr. Stratton survived the attack on Pearl Harbor with courage, the . Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. It indicates, "Click to perform a search". He was skilled in mechanics and during his lifetime built two ultralight airplanes in which he modified the engines in both. All rights reserved. The. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. Family and friends are invited to visitwww.seederly-mongandbeck.comto sign the guestbook or send private condolences. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. Mr. Donald G. Stratton, was born July14, 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. The procession reached 3 miles long at one point as many bikers joined the trip back to Red Cloud. The fireball went about 60, 70 feet in the air.". 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. 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. 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 &. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died, Operation K: A Second Pearl Harbor Attack. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Minutes later, the heaving line secured to the tower, the six men climbed down the rope to the Vestal. Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. The Colorado Springs man was 97. to the family or plant a tree Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. On Satuday, Colorado Springs said goodbye to an American hero. 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 News. The funeral procession stretching. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 11:00 am at Mt. The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. He stopped at his locker, aft of the No. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. "I'll come out every year I can until I'm gone.". Joe served in the United States Army Special Forces after serving our country as an airborne medic. Donald was. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. 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. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. No services are scheduled at this time. Stratton was second to go. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. But the flames found us, catching us all on fire, burning off our clothes, our hair, our skin.". The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. Legal Statement. The funeral procession for Donald was something for the history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past Presidents. J James December 21, 2018 All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Donald J. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. Stratton could not. 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. Joe George saved 6 lives that day, and was never awarded for his heroism until 76 years later. "I threw a line over.". The bow sagged. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. At one point in his life, he had no fingerprints as they had all been burned through and off. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. Donald J. Stratton, Sr. March 14, 1928 March 4, 2019. . It's a different view from above,. 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. Messages run for up to one year and you 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. 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. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown, Red Cloud, Nebraska. The courage I saw in our men was astonishing," Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men." Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. 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. 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 J. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. Williams Funeral Home Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. A magnifying glass. He was reared in Westhope and graduated Westhope High School in 1968. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Without Joe, my dad wouldnt have been here, Randy Stratton said Sunday. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. It was there he and Randy started their campaign to recognize Joe George, the sailor who threw the line to the burning Arizona. Following the service, the Colorado Springs Police Department escorted the family and the casket. He also piloted the flyover at Stratton's funeral. 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. After his service to the Navy was finished, he was employed at a diving company and later on an offshore drilling platform. "If anyone deserved a Medal of Honor that day, in my opinion, it was him.". to the family or plant a tree Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! quest diagnostics 32791n. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. "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. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. He is now part of our national memory.". All rights reserved. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. This article is written by William Cole from The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the NewsCred publisher network. 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. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. 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. Still others in small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the water. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown,Red Cloud, Nebraska. "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. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. Randy and his mother were with Stratton when he died Saturday. Elizabeth II was the sovereign of more than one independent state and . Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Donald Gene Stratton, 84 of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Willard Walker Hospice Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. You can unsubscribe at any time. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. 2023 Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home. 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. 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. Many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where other Patriot Guard riders took over the escort, he said. Sign up for service and obituary updates. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. 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