Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. [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. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. World War II veteran Donald Stratton was transported in a funeral procession from Colorado Springs, Colorado to Red Cloud, Nebraska on Saturday, Feb. 29. 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 By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. A fireball swallowed the control tower where Stratton had climbed minutes before. 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 &. USS Arizona crew member and Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton was honored with a memorial service Saturday morning in Colorado Springs. Donald J. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Many honored him by sharing stories, talking about his accomplishments, or reminding everyone of his favorite saying. 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. 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 was united in holy matrimony to Velma DEtte Lockhart on April 23, 1950. 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. "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. His parents, his wife of 60 years, Mary Stratton and brother, Ed Stratton,. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow in Sharer-Stirling Funeral Home with . The funeral procession for Donald was something for the history books, rivaling and surpassing that of any past Presidents. 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. 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. He would have died on that platform.. George and the ship's captain "were engaged in some kind of a debate, a heated one " that conveyed to Stratton that "we didn't have a chance.". As the WWII B-25 circled around the funeral, on the ground, family and friends spoke, wearing Hawaiian shirts and our nation's colors. His eyes met Strattons. 241 West 4th Avenue It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Six men, Stratton included, were saved by climbing hand-over-hand on a rope thrown at the last second by a sailor on the adjacent repair ship USS Vestal in one of the most dramatic rescues of the day. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? If desired, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. He was 97. Published by Syracuse Post Standard from Sep. 19 to Sep. 21, 2014. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. Donald was burned over 65% of his body and escaped the inferno by climbing across a line to a neighboring shipthe USS Vestal. 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 battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. Joe George saved 6 lives that day, and was never awarded for his heroism until 76 years later. Smoke and flames choked the air, but Stratton saw someone moving on a smaller ship that had been tethered to the Arizona. All Rights Reserved.Funeral Home Website by Batesville | Funeral Planning and Grief Resources. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. A year later, he reenlisted. The Secretary of the Navy spoke, as well as Senator of Colorado Cory Gardner. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. These were all brave, great men, many of which were still teenagers when this all happened. 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 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. Funeral Home website by. Go read his book, know the sacrifices they made for you. Stratton was a sight setter. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. 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. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. STRATTON, DONALD EUGENE STRATTON, Donald Eugene - Mt. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. There were "people over on the Arizona that were trying to get off, and there was fire all around," he said. Two motorists lost their lives in Gove County, Kan., including a member of the Kansas Patriot Guard motorcycle group that was escorting Strattons coffin for burial. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Find an Obituary. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . After graduating high school, he did what many young men did during the 1930s and '40s and enlisted in the military. One of Stratton's friends also spoke at his funeral on Saturday. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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. CONTACT US | 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 flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. Menu. 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. No services are scheduled at this time. In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. Visitation Friday 6-8 P.M. and Saturday 2-5 P.M. and 6-8 P.M and 1-2 Sunday. "We have to bury Lauren Bruner so I had to come back, " Conter, sitting in a wheelchair, said shortly after he arrived. 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. We should never forget what these guys did for us, Randy said Sunday from Colorado Springs. Your browser does not support this video format. Owing to his injuries, Stratton was discharged in September 1942 and sent back to Red Cloud. Donald was born July 14, 1922 in Invale Nebraska and grew up in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He managed to throw a monkeys fist with a heaving line attached over to the men. I looked over and seen the water tower go over. The driver of a Honda Accord, 81-year-old Carl Silvrants of Fredericksburg, Va., was killed when he tried to get around the motorcycle crash and hit a parked firetruck on Interstate 70. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home & Sylvania Hills Memorial Park, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. They had four children, two of which passed before they were just 5 days old, and 2 boys Robert and Randy. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.. 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. Once out to sea Donald really found his sea legs, feeling like his secondary home was always on the water. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. An Arizona crew that once numbered 1, 512 is now down to two. free past performances 365 The crew enjoyed their time in Hawaii, playing football on the beach, shore leave, and all the hospitality of the island had to offer. 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 . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Heroic Pearl Harbor sailor honored with Bronze Star, wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men. The family also learned he was never honored for his bravery on December 7th. Then the veterans will continue to drive all the way to Red Cloud, Nebraska, where Stratton is from. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. Red Cloud, Nebraska 68970, Phone 402-746-2500 Flint Journal. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. His skills were endless and his mind was always looking for the next thing to invent, design and bring to life. After spending over a year in the hospital recovering, Donald re-enlisted in the US Navy as WWII was still raging. . The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. Stratton died of natural causesin Colorado Springs, Colo., his family said. 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. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. The motorcycle landed in the median. Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. Still others in small boats, navigating through the fiery sea, pulling oil-soaked sailors from the water. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. briggs and stratton vtwin throttle linkage diagram; patristocrat cipher tips; xpenology dsm 7 vmware workstation. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Williams Funeral Home Mr. Strattons life was recently chronicled in the New York Times Best Seller, All the Gallant Men. He saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. PAYMENT CENTER Click here to make a payment. 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.) 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. Stratton figured he could do with the $21 a month, so he joined the Navy. in memory of Donald G Stratton, please visit our floral store. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. He was 97. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. 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. 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. The attack left Stratton with burns over 60 percent of his body, costing him his fingerprints and leaving permanent scars. Our support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. Second to last was Lauren Bruner, a fire controlmanwho died in September. 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. Graveside services with full military honors were 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2020 at the Red Cloud Cemetery, Red Cloud, Nebraska. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. "It comes from the heart, that's what it's about. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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 attack on Dec. 7, 1941, attack killed 1,177 sailors and Marines on the mighty battleship, sparing 335. After a lifetime at sea, Stratton will return to his home on the prairie. 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. At 19 years old he enlisted in the US Navy and was then assigned to the USS Arizona. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. "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. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Stratton DONALD G. STRATTON July 14, 1922 February 15, 2020 Mr. Donald G. Stratton, was born July 14, 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. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. The latest breaking news, delivered straight to your email! 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