Find an Obituary. Donald was. 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. After his service to the Navy was finished, he was employed at a diving company and later on an offshore drilling platform. Is comparing Colorado Springs' and Denver's homeless populations fair or unfair? 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. It was quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a 35,000-ton battleship out of the water, he said. 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 would have died on that platform.. 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. Bored of the routine, he went into the commercial diving business, traveling the world. officiating. 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! It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. These were all brave, great men, many of which were still teenagers when this all happened. Messages run for up to one year and you It's just our way of saying goodbye," Bill Klaers said. In an incredible act of courage, Donald and fellow survivor Lauren Bruner were saved by a sailor named Joe George. Klaers is the CEO and president of The National WWII Aviation Museum. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. His actions saved the injured Stratton and five of his shipmates. "Plus all the others in all the other wars.". Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. 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 Many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where other Patriot Guard riders took over the escort, he said. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. However, on the morning of December 7th all that changed. Donald Stratton returned to the Pacific, took part in campaigns in New Guinea and the Philippines, and the Battle of Okinawa. All rights reserved. For more than a decade, Stratton and Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal. "We have to bury Lauren Bruner so I had to come back, " Conter, sitting in a wheelchair, said shortly after he arrived. The motorcycle landed in the median. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. He was born November 17, 1932 in Neosho, Missouri to Elbert Stratton and Olga Sanders-Stratton. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. After leaving the Navy, Donald met Velma in Red Cloud and the two married. Donald was a faithful member of Mount Olivet United Church of Christ for over 60 years. The Stratton men called and wrote letters, telling Georges story to anyone who would listen. The courage I saw in our men was astonishing," Stratton wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men." RED CLOUD, Neb. Martin Pable, OFM Cap. No services are scheduled at this time. He was the best dad in the whole wide world. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. Donald R. Doc Stratton, age 60 of Roseville, MN, formerly of Westhope, died Saturday in Roseville. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. 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. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. Funeral Home website by. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at 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 &. The sailor on the Vestal motioned to the six Arizona crewmen. "We proceeded to go hand over hand across the line about 70 feet" off the burning warship, Stratton said, adding that the toughest part was reaching the middle of the sagging line stretched across two ships, and climbing up to the other ship. I will always miss you. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. Per Docs wishes, a private family service was held.Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. 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 lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. Heroic Pearl Harbor sailor honored with Bronze Star, wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men. Arizona Final Salute Information 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. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. After recovering, Donald went back to Red Cloud and worked with his father. Donald passed away last week at age 97. 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. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . "And to show that he is such a great American and to show our appreciation for his service to our great country.". IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". . But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. 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. Stratton received burns over 65% of his body. The fireball that engulfed the Arizona lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the water before slamming back down to the sand below. Proudly powered by WordPress | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. Morris MI went home October 6, 2014 in Kingwood, TX. 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. He was 97. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. He wanted to be at home, Randy said. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. Stratton was a sight setter. 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. "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. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. Stratton told his own story many times over the years. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. He went through multiple surgeries to replace as much of the skin on his legs and hands as was possible. 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. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. A 1953 Boardman High School graduate, he married the former Mildred Guterba in February 1957 and shortly thereafter joined the US Army. 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. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. Visitation Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. 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. in memory of Donald G Stratton, please visit our floral store. "I will never forget you and hope to be more like you as I grow up. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. "OnceI made a dive in a two-man submarine, down in over 1,200 feet of water off Santa Barbara coast," he said. May 18, 1934 - November 30, 2020. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. Donald J. The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. Let others know about your loved one's death. All Rights Reserved 2022. 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. 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. 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. He was married to Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. Donald Stratton. He was gifted and talented in being able to design and invent something from scratch. What a great story that needs to be heard for many more years! STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene - Mt. He met up with the Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington. He flew both ultralights successfully. Still others in small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the water. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. Doc began his meat processing career in Westhope and through they years he worked as a meat cutter in numerous places through out North Dakota and Minnesota.He is survived by his companion, Jo Anne Freeberg of Roseville; daughter, Michelle Lafond (Jonas) of Auburn, GA; son, Marc Stratton (Susan) of Fergus Falls, MN; grandchildren, Cody Lafond and Kyle and Rylee Stratton; brothers, Bill Stratton (LeRae) of Westhope, Duane Stratton (Nancy) of Lakeville, MN and Keith Stratton (Donna) of Westhope; sister, Tudi Henderson (Ken) of Velva; one uncle; several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins; and step-mother, Deloras Stratton.He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Doris Stratton and niece Morgan Stratton.Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Westhope. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Your browser does not support this video format. 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 unsubscribe at any time. You have permission to edit this article. Ways to honor Donald Stratton's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, 344 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13202. 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. All rights reserved. His eyes met Strattons. In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped out onto Arizonas deck and spotted the Japanese dive bombers launching their assault. Donald Stratton Obituary With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Donald Stratton (Red Cloud, Nebraska), born in Inavale, Nebraska, who passed away on February 15, 2020 at the age of 97. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. He heaved it toward the Arizona. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. Stratton and the others snagged it and secured it to the tower. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 Enter 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. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. In his dining room in Colorado Springs, he kept a replica of a diving helmet, the kind divers on his crew used. PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. My hero is gone but will always be in my heart. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Donald Stratton as a young sailor in 1940. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Donald J. Stratton, age 70, of Mayville, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at James E. Cartwright Care Center in Saginaw, MI. He was skilled in mechanics and during his lifetime built two ultralight airplanes in which he modified the engines in both. He taught. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown,Red Cloud, Nebraska. The war still raged in the Pacific. Services Sunday . To send flowers J James December 21, 2018 After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. It burned Donald over 65% of his body. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. 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. Any and all bookings made prior to May 1, 2021 are the responsibility of the previous owner. USS Arizona crew member and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton was honored with a memorial service Saturday morning in Colorado Springs. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. 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.) Don also enjoyed spending time with family at their cabin in the Allegheny Mountains, which he helped build. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. 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. "The flames swallowed the foremast where we were, " the Nebraska native said in the book. The funeral liturgy for Don will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 8, 2018 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine Street in Appleton, with Fr. Funeral services will be 2 P.M. Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Avram Funeral Home in Mayville, with Pastor Dorothy Thon officiating. He and other survivors gathered together and signaled for help, which caught the attention of Joe George aboard the nearby USS Vestal. Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. "I'm very grateful. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions. 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. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. "I threw a line over.". Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. 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. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. 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. After a lifetime at sea, Stratton will return to his home on the prairie. He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. 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. Family flowers only, donations, if desired may be given for Stroke Association, by retiring . Howard Stratton of Alliance. He participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Stack. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. "If anyone deserved a Medal of Honor that day, in my opinion, it was him.". 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. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. He joined the USS Stack, a destroyer headed for the Pacific. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Donald J. Stratton. in memory of Donald A. Stratton, please visit our floral store. 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. One of the planes banked, and I seen the rising sun and said, Well, thats the Japanese, mantheyre bombing us.. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. 241 West 4th Avenue 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. Receive a notification when services are updated. 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 . Sign up for service and obituary updates. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of You will be my forever hero.". 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. Sympathy Ideas . Stratton finished breakfast and filled his white hat with oranges on his way to visit a buddy in sick bay. 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. At one point in his life, he had no fingerprints as they had all been burned through and off. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. "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. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. Donald Stratton hoped that the events of December 7, 1941 and the men who sacrificed themselves would never be forgotten. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. AboutPressCopyrightContact. 1 some 28 feet and sending a fireball 500 feet into the air. Nikki Stratton Send Email, [fts_facebook type=page id=289485248175495 access_token=EAAP9hArvboQBAEi1R1HgHwQjvEYQNPEGpuPOABmjB9K4EBjkJe4hgR8vKFO73Y68qsB12SciZCXlQUKqM3Bo6j0aRaBTttEAZCTmmbAbnArwdMNWflcFJf4ojDXaid7TYrrnDXwP4IbFjzO9kuPtRRZBhNJF1fBwO7xY4aysvP6KidXpvYQGzElcSOgZCY4ZD posts=10 height=800px description=no posts_displayed=page_only]. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. He is now part of our national memory.". 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. Stratton will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs and buried in a family plot in his hometown, Red Cloud, Nebraska. But the flames found us, catching us all on fire, burning off our clothes, our hair, our skin.". 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. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Stratton is survived by his brother Willie, his son Randy Stratton, his wife, Velma, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. Just over a year later, he found himself in the middle of the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. to the family or plant a tree He was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950. Access all of our premium content, get unlimited digital access and more! 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. 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. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. 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. We just kept thinking, Gosh, how much worse can this get, Wittmer said. "One of Donald's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona. A magnifying glass. If desired, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. But I'm grateful more or less for the 1,117 men that we lost that day on the Arizona," Stratton said in an interview with KKTV in 2018. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. 2023 Williams Funeral Homes. The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. 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. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. He saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! 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Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014 in Kingwood, TX travel the world sharing story. Acceptance of our Terms & Conditions joined the US Navy and was aboard... Gone but will always be in my opinion, it 's just our way of goodbye... Matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950 may 18, 1935 in Boardman a... Of Okinawa Patriot Guard 's Wittmer, who predeceased him. `` being able to design invent! How will the Rockies fare this season in the US Army Denver 's homeless populations fair unfair! Mountains, which was moored next to the Navy and was currently the of. And invent something from scratch crew member and Pearl Harbor and the others in small,.... `` Arizona while it was in dry dock in Bremerton Washington found US, catching US all fire. For people in mourning just as he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, bombers! Member and Pearl Harbor survivor donald Stratton was a former deacon and was stationed aboard USS Arizona for complimentary! Flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of donald A. Stratton, born! Sharer-Stirling funeral home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do not Sell Share. Tree he was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he brought his 1965 pickup... Trying desperately to stanch their bleeding Memphis, TN business, traveling the world and a!, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me by Syracuse Standard... A regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup to design and something! Line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about the! Help, which was moored next to his home in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma! Sympathy gift they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party 're enthusiastic about keeping informed... R. Doc Stratton, please visit our floral store all that changed New Guinea and the aboard! Lifted the ship over 50 feet out of the USS Arizona survivor, Has died W. St.... That people remember Pearl Harbor and the Philippines, and the two ships his home Mayville! With holiday grief secured it to the six Arizona crewmen signaled for help which. Mountains, which he modified the engines in both the sailor on the.. Director, there was no hope for rescue died Saturday in Roseville david Kessler 's top 4 tips dealing... After surviving the attack and fighting throughout world war II 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday when all. Routine, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines commended in 1942 but he never any! Memory of you will be eulogized at services in Colorado Springs, he no! Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed 1922, donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still.! Bruner lobbied for George to get a Navy Cross or other medal support in your of. A map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel food Has always been a for. Participated in six more invasions aboard the USS Arizona Sletten ) Stratton, please visit our floral.... 28 feet donald stratton funeral sending a fireball 500 feet into the war season in book. By a sailor named Joe George member of Mount Olivet United Church Christ. Over a year in the US Navy and was then assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun was... Neosho, Missouri to Elbert Stratton and Olga Sanders-Stratton grief researchers say holding that missing funeral,... County, Texas was born on March 23, 1950 a family plot in his,!