2023 Williams Funeral Homes. They pulled a heavier line over and one by one began to climb across the gap separating the two ships. He saidGeorge threw them a lifeline from his own ship, which was moored next to the Arizona. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. 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. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. Eight-year-old Landon Knestrick from North Carolina spoke at the service. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. Both traveled to Washington, D.C., in 2017to meet President Trump in the White House and then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon. Prior to his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crewmen. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. "We got hit with the big bomb and that exploded like a million pounds of ammunition. A fireball swallowed the control tower where Stratton had climbed minutes before. -- 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. Stratton was a machinist at Morgan Engineering Co. where he had been employed since 1940. . Donald and 5 others climbed hand over hand across the water all already burned, 70 feet including the slope up to the Vestal deck. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. In the Army, you were crawling around in the mud and everything else, and I didnt want to do that.. 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. Dave began his teaching career in the Chicopee Public Schools before transferring to the Springfield Public School System. Stratton fought in the invasion of the Philippines, in the invasion of Okinawa, on patrol with radar, reporting the advance of suicide bombers. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our Terms & Conditions. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. Donald was buried next to his two daughters and now wife. 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. Sometimes, Japanese pilots attended memorial ceremonies, and some of the other survivors would shake their hands. 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. A year later, he reenlisted. "As they shot through the two openings of the enclosure, we shielded ourselves by taking shelter under some of the equipment, our hands covering our mouths and eyes. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. 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. Funeral Home website by. Joe was on deck fighting fires spread from the Arizona. Stratton watched as the sailor waved off another man on the deck and struggled witha line. He managed to throw a monkeys fist with a heaving line attached over to the men. The attack left Stratton with burns over 60 percent of his body, costing him his fingerprints and leaving permanent scars. Relatives and friends may call Monday, September 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. The motorcycle landed in the median. Instead, heescaped the flames, recovered and went on to reenlist in the Navy, work in thecommercial diving businessand travel the world. Bruner, who also made the climb across the rope with Stratton, died Sept. 10 at age 98. Back in 2016, Landon heard the veteran's story and made it a goal to meet him. A 1953 Boardman High School graduate, he married the former Mildred Guterba in February 1957 and shortly thereafter joined the US Army. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. juniper vlan tagging vs trunking. The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one. Dave began his. This was their way out, hand over hand across 70 feet of ropeabove a burning oil slick. He was married to Toni Lunde and this marriage later ended. He taught. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Wittmer said the procession included other groups besides the Patriot Guard, including American Legion riders. 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. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me. quest diagnostics 32791n. He was 97. 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. Mr. Stratton loved God, loved his country and loved his family. The family will receive visitors 3 - 6 P.M. Saturday, April. 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. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Nellie Stratton; and 13 siblings. It is unknown if Batchelor was injured. Home / Articles / Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died. The crash between a Harley-Davidson and a Victorious happened north of Castle Rock around 1:30 p.m., Colorado State Trooper Josh Lewis said. After a lifetime at sea, Stratton will return to his home on the prairie. williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com. On Satuday, Colorado Springs said goodbye to an American hero. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. He was 97, a tweet from USS Arizona said. He was 97. He was born on August 31, 1944 in New Orleans to Fred and Mae Stratton, who predeceased him. POLL: How will the Rockies fare this season in the NL West. He would have died on that platform.. Just over a year later, he found himself in the middle of the devastating Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. "One of the first people to do that.". In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his sisters Martha Hickman and Carol Orr. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. The family also learned he was never honored for his bravery on December 7th. 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. He and Velma retired to Yuma, where they lived for about 15 years. A funeral service will be held at the North Devon Crematorium on Tuesday 28th February at 10.20am. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. 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. Donald upheld their legacy and honored the men that perished that day by honoring the Lord, honoring his country and striving to remember all the gallant men. . But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. 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. On that day, 1,177 men perished in the explosion leaving just 300 alive. As long as there be war, I must answer Am I worth dying for?. Once out to sea Donald really found his sea legs, feeling like his secondary home was always on the water. This article originally appeared on The Republic | azcentral.com: USS Arizona survivors: Donald Stratton dies in Colorado Springs at 97, _________________________________________, Don Stratton, One of Three Remaining Crew from USS Arizona, Dies at 97, FILE -- In this file photo from Dec. 7, 2016, Donald Stratton, center, a USS Arizona survivor shakes the hand of an admirer at Kilo Pier next to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu. The. The funeral procession stretching from Colorado Springs to Red Cloud, Neb., was involved in three separate crashes along the nearly seven-hour, 448-mile route. As a mother, I couldnt bear the thought of my son having to endure what these men did, especially those who lost their lives! He was a former deacon and was currently the president of the cemetery committee. Stratton and Lauren Bruner, another Arizona survivor, lobbied hard for George to be recognized. 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. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. 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. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Born July 14, 1922, Donald Stratton grew up in Red Cloud, NE. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY. Copyright 2009 - 23 Nero Funeral Home. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. May 18, 1934 - November 30, 2020. 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. All rights reserved. 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. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. A friendship between the two began in 2016. When the call to battle stations was made, he climbed three ladders to reach his station. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Enter your email below to receive a grief support message from us each day for a year. 2 gun turret, and as he walked out, he heard loud voices. Howard Stratton of Alliance. Donald Stratton. "Acts of individual heroism could be witnessed everywhere you looked. 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. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. 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. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . DONALD STRATTON - Prince Frederick, Maryland , Sewell Funeral Home - Memories wall BROUGHT TO YOU BY Sewell Funeral Home DONALD JAY STRATTON Prince Frederick, Maryland October 6, 1956 - December 5, 2018 Share Obituary: Tribute Wall Obituary & Events Share a memory Send Flowers Share a memory of DONALD JAY STRATTON. Donald passed away last week at age 97. 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. Copyright 2020 WBTV. He was one of the last living survivors of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. "I was aboard the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941. Finally, he was given a medical discharge and returned to Nebraska. Donald Richard Stratton of Emory, Rains County, Texas was born on March 23, 1936. 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 as a young sailor in 1940. One of Donalds final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona, his wife Velma wrote on Facebook. 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. Sharing his story had been a large part of Strattons life after surviving the attack and fighting throughout World War II. Just as he saw it begin, Stratton saw the war end. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. He passed away at 97 years old, in Colorado Springs, surrounded by his wife Velma and son Randy. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Men being strafed as they brought boxes of ammo up ladders to the antiaircraft guns. 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. Stratton was second to go. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. After boot camp, he was sent to the Navy shipyards in Bremerton, Washington, where he got his first look at the Arizona, in dry dock undergoing maintenance and, most people assumed, being fitted for war. Donald and Velma were married for 70 years. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. You can make it,'" Stratton recalled. We found his family living in Arkansas, but Joe passed in the early 90s. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. You have funeral questions, we have answers. For Stratton, Bruner and the four other men, salvation appeared in the form of Joe George, a sailor and boxer on the Vestal. To send flowers It's a different view from above,. "I'm very grateful. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. 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