Donald Stratton

Donald Stratton
Born(1922-07-14)July 14, 1922
Red Cloud, Nebraska, U.S.
DiedFebruary 15, 2020(2020-02-15) (aged 97)
Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.
Military career
Allegiance United States
Branch
 United States Navy
UnitUSS Arizona
Conflicts
World War II

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. 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. A sailor from a nearby ship, Joe George, threw a line to the sinking Arizona. Stratton was one of six trapped sailors who escaped to safety using the lifeline. One of the six died in hospital the evening of December 7.

On June 8, 2018 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a dedication ceremony took place to name the bridge for the newly constructed interchange at interstate 25 and Fillmore Street in Stratton's honor.

Works

References

  1. ↑ Silverman, Hollie (February 17, 2020). "Donald Stratton, a Pearl Harbor survivor and USS Arizona crew member, has died at 97". CNN. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  2. ↑ Prine, Carl (February 15, 2020). "USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton dies at 97". Navy Times. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  3. ↑ McKinnon, Shaun (February 17, 2020). "'I've told my stories': One of the last survivors of the USS Arizona has died at 97". USA Today. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Joe George". Pearl Harbor National Memorial. National Park Service. Retrieved January 3, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Donald Stratton Bridge Dedication". El Paso County, Colorado. June 13, 2018. Retrieved November 9, 2023.