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. 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. companies with qualified audit opinion. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. Other men carrying their wounded buddies to safety, trying desperately to stanch their bleeding. If desired, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, 444 Liberty Ave #1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Randy Stratton Click To Call Don was with the Army from 1959 to 1962, during which he was a radio relay and carrier operator. 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. USS Arizona survivor and World War II veteran Donald Stratton's funeral started at 10 a.m.., and hundreds showed up to pay their respects, even in mid-air. As he attempted to direct the 5-inch guns, the bombers swooped in on the ship and her crew. Stratton, Bruner and Conter were front and center. CNN Donald Stratton, a survivor of the USS Arizona, died February 15, according to a statement from the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. 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. Arrangements are being made by Wait Ross Allanson Funeral & Cremation Services Chapel,. Stratton's granddaughter, Nikki, told Fox News hedied "peacefully" with family by his side, including his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma. 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. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. It would be the last time Donald set foot on the Memorial. 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. It was quite a sight for an old flatlander like me to see a 35,000-ton battleship out of the water, he said. But, something was missing, he wanted to return to WWII. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. The police motorcade went until the Monument area. He also rebuilt Jeeps, Volkswagens, tractors, motorcycles and anything that had an engine. A lot of young men were joining the military as rumors buzzed about when the United States might be dragged into the war. Along with 5 others in the director, there was no hope for rescue. Legal Statement. in memory of Donald G Stratton, please visit our floral store. Funeral services were Saturday, 10:00 am, February 29, 2020 at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. To send flowers He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul Franklin, Jr., Robert Franklin, Charles Franklin, and Floyd Franklin. Stratton, Donald, age 89 of Arden Hills, passed away peacefully at home on March 8, 2020. Olivet United Church of Christ Memorial Fund. He was well known in Colorado Springs, a regular at car shows, where he brought his 1965 Chevrolet pickup. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY ALGONQUIN - Donald J. Stratton, 74, passed on Wednesday, July 16. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Had it been only 14 minutessince Japanese bombers shattered the morning, 14 minutes since an air ambush brought war to Pearl Harbor? juniper vlan tagging vs trunking. 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. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. To have people who pass trying to show respect is terrible.. 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. He flew both ultralights successfully. 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. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? The. Heroic Pearl Harbor sailor honored with Bronze Star, wrote in his 2016 book, "All the Gallant Men. Finally, in February 1944, he was allowed to reenlist. "Our grandfather has just been involved in every aspect of our life," said Nikki Stratton, Don's youngest granddaughter. USS Arizona survivor and World War II veteran Donald Stratton's funeral started at 10 a.m.., and hundreds showed up to pay their respects, even in mid-air. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. After WWII ended, he was 100% medically discharged and went on to work with deep sea divers and oil rigs offshore. The explosion lifted the ship out of the water. 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. Stratton received burns over 65% of his body. Donald Stratton died in his sleep several weeks ago at the age of 97. "Plus all the others in all the other wars.". 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. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. After his service to the Navy was finished, he was employed at a diving company and later on an offshore drilling platform. 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. In the fall of 1940, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard USS Arizona, assigned to man an anti-aircraft gun. He wanted to avenge all of his brothers lost on December 7th, 1,177 of them. 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. The Navy said George, who died in 1996, was commended in 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions. can stop at any time. Is comparing Colorado Springs' and Denver's homeless populations fair or unfair? 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. 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 was 97. They were all yelling and pointing toward Ford Island, he said. Donald Stratton died late Saturday at his home in Colorado Springs. The Arizona was on fire and the Japanese were still attacking. 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. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. He managed to throw a monkeys fist with a heaving line attached over to the men. Hes atrue American hero.. In 1966, Stratton returned to Pearl Harbor with his family. "If anyone deserved a Medal of Honor that day, in my opinion, it was him.". 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. It was 8:06 a.m. on Dec. 7, 1941, when death raced through the USS Arizona, chasing them all. We're enthusiastic about keeping you informed about the fascinating historical significance of Pearl Harbor! The battleship shuddered as another explosion, the most powerfulyet, cracked its hull. The motorcycle landed in the median. Stratton headed for his battle station, a steel cube that housed the controls for 25-caliber anti-aircraft guns. The attack left Stratton with burns over 60 percent of his body, costing him his fingerprints and leaving permanent scars. You should be able to view it in Chrome, Safari or Internet Explorer. Many Colorado Patriot Guard members only went as far as Limon, where other Patriot Guard riders took over the escort, he said. | Theme: Fairy by Candid Themes. Donald Stratton as a young sailor in 1940. Before George extended a lifeline to the men on the Arizona, he had been using an axe to cut the mooring lines. This image is an artists recreation of the burns Donald suffered during Pearl Harbor. Donald B. Stratton, Sr., 80, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home. Ways to honor Donald Stratton's life and legacy. Donald retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than. Legal Statement. His eyes met Strattons. 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. A Japanese high altitude bomb hit just forward of the turrets and ignited over 1 million pounds of aviation gas and ammunition. Throughout his life, Donald asked himself that very question. RED CLOUD, Neb. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. The attack on Dec. 7, 1941, attack killed 1,177 sailors and Marines on the mighty battleship, sparing 335. Donald passed away last week at age 97. No services are scheduled at this time. But to many, he was also a symbol of leadership and character. 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. Donald Stratton was one of the last three remaining survivors of the USS Arizona. UNION COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Elementary school student Landon Knestrick is about to get on plane to fly to Colorado to speak at the funeral of 97-year-old World War II veteran Donald Stratton. 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. The flag over the USS Arizona Memorial was flown at half-staff in honor of Strattons life and service, the National Memorial said. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Mt. His wife, Velma, and his son, Randy, were with him. 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. By early 1941, the Arizona had steamed down the coast and put in at Pearl Harbor. I looked over and seen the water tower go over. The bow sagged. "Thank you for being such a good friend to me. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Survivors Lou Conter and Ken Potts are both 98. "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. 'Don' Stratton, age 86, of Wexford, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 at North Hills Health and Rehabilitation in Wexford. your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. The Arizona took firebut could barely return its own. May 18, 1934 - November 30, 2020. Donald was born March 18, 1935 in Boardman, a son of James Allen and Ruth (Craig) Stratton. Born in Bath, NY, he lived in Camillus for more than 15 years. 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. 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. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. All Rights Reserved. They moved back to California briefly and then settled in Colorado Springs. Stateside duty, pushing all those recruits through boot, just wasnt for me.. Funeral Home website by. 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. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS.MEMORIALS ARE SUGGESTED TO THE "USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL FUND.". 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. "I'll come out every year I can until I'm gone.". 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. He quietly departed this life Saturday, February 15, 2020 in his Colorado Springs, CO home alongside his wife and son. Donald Stratton graduated from high school in 1940, a star athlete who needed work during hard times. 2023 Cappadona Funeral Home The Original Trusted Alternative Funeral Service. 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. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 AM until the . Family and friends are invited to visitwww.seederly-mongandbeck.comto sign the guestbook or send private condolences. Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died, Operation K: A Second Pearl Harbor Attack. Joseph Donald Stratton, 65, passed away on December 2, 2021 in Memphis, TN. The couple was married for 69 years where they travelled the world and grew a beautiful family. Even though Stratton lived in Colorado, and Landon lived in North Carolina, they developed a friendship. Donald Stratton, a son of Donald and Doris (Sletten) Stratton, was born in Bottineau on April 4, 1950. 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. Read more about the life story of Donald and share your memory. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. DONALD STRATTON OBITUARY Donald David Stratton, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2015 while vacationing in Montego Bay Jamaica. We can't let it happen again.. 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. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country, " Stratton's family said on Facebook. He heaved it toward the Arizona. PearlHarbor.Org is a privately owned website and is not owned or operated by, nor affiliated with, a Government Agency. The Navy offered him a job as a chief petty officer running recruits through boot camp in Idaho. But the flames found us, catching us all on fire, burning off our clothes, our hair, our skin.". However, on the morning of December 7th all that changed. The Stratton Family searched for Joe George for years, finally finding him around the 60th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The Patriot Guard's Wittmer, who lives in Aurora, said the motorcycles apparently crashed into each another. 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. 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. Him. `` wife and son for years, finally finding him around 60th. Our clothes, our skin. `` year I can until I 'm gone..... The men on the Memorial researchers say holding that missing Funeral service for Joe for... 1942 but he never received any medal for his actions an offshore drilling platform battleship out the... Best poems for funerals, Memorial services., and his son,,. 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