pipedreams Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 February 15, Donald passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma, and his son Randy. One of Donald's final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona. Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country. Donald Stratton, 97 years old. USS Arizona Survivor Husband of 69 years to Velma Stratton Father to Robert, Randy, Gypsy and Roxanne Jo Grandfather and Greatgrandfather to 13 amazing grandchildren Author of New York Times Best Seller - All the Gallant Men. — with RJ Montalvo. 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamboolman Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Rest in Peace Sir ?? 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tous Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Fair winds and following seas. Rest easy, sailor, we have the watch. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alabusa Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Would have been amazing to sit and talk with this man.RIP Sir....Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 Fair seas and following winds, sailor. We are diminished. My God bless you. For those that don't know: He wrote a wonderful book about the experience. He lived life well lived. https://www.amazon.com/All-Gallant-Men-American-Firsthand/dp/0062645358/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Donald+Stratton%2C&qid=1582057750&sr=8-1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 3 hours ago, Alabusa said: Would have been amazing to sit and talk with this man. RIP Sir.... Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk Read his book. He was not only burned to a crisp escaping the Arizona...and medically discharged. But he JOINED again and made it through boot a second time...and returned as a gunner on another ship. I would like to be half the stud this man was. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dric902 Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 May forever feel like home. He’s gonna see a lot of friends . 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 (edited) Honestly, readers, I've read nearly a thousand books on WWII...and a lot in other areas...as far as first person accounts go... This one is a national treasure. Right up there With the Old Breed. If you don't have a tear in your eye as you read this book...you might want to call your mom, eat some apple pie, go to see the Constitution, and a baseball game as therapy. (I'd be an interesting priest if you came to me for confession. Say 10 our Fathers, 2 Hail Mary's, go to a baseball game, eat a hot dog, and repent your ways along the 1st base line. And above all...no swearing at the umpire) And most of all. Thank an old man for your todays. Edited February 18, 2020 by Historian 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holyjohnson Posted February 18, 2020 Share Posted February 18, 2020 God Bless him. May He R.I.P. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 So it turns out two are still alive. One of them....just went back to Pearl last December. https://www.studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/uss-arizona-survivor-gets-heros-welcome-in-return-to-hawaii/ Lt. Cmdr. tell us the secret to such a long life...and looking that sharp at the end of your 90s. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booker Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 His funeral service will be held at Rocky Mountain Calvary, Colorado Springs, at 10am on Saturday, Feb 29. The wearing of Red, White, and Blue Hawaiian shirts is requested. I'll be there! https://www.facebook.com/ussarizonasurvivor/ 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Historian Posted February 19, 2020 Share Posted February 19, 2020 4 hours ago, Booker said: His funeral service will be held at Rocky Mountain Calvary, Colorado Springs, at 10am on Saturday, Feb 29. The wearing of Red, White, and Blue Hawaiian shirts is requested. I'll be there! https://www.facebook.com/ussarizonasurvivor/ Fantastic. He deserves the finest of send offs. I hope it's standing room only. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booker Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 (edited) Well, I held it together until the playing of TAPS. How I hate that tune! He was eligible to be buried at the site of the USS Arizona. It would require his cremation. He declined. He said, "I've been cremated once, there won't be a second time!" Edited February 29, 2020 by Booker 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deputy tom Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 RIP,Sir. tom. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fog Posted February 29, 2020 Share Posted February 29, 2020 Rest in Peace, sailor 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWARREN123 Posted March 1, 2020 Share Posted March 1, 2020 Not many left. RIP, sir! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now