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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE OF DONALD G. STRATTON
______
HON. DOUG LAMBORN
of colorado
in the house of representatives
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Donald
G. Stratton, who passed away on February 15, 2020 after a lifetime of
service to his country. Mr. Stratton was a dedicated husband of 69
years, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, New York Times best-
selling author, USS Arizona Survivor, and a champion of the memory for
those who did not make it home.
Mr. Donald Stratton was born July 14, 1922 in Inavale, Nebraska to
Robert and Jessie Stratton. After growing up in Nebraska and graduating
from Red Cloud High School, Donald attended Navy bootcamp in 1940.
After graduation from bootcamp he was given orders to join the USS
Arizona in dry dock at the Navy shipyards in Bremerton, Washington.
Upon completion of her maintenance and retrofit in Washington, the USS
Arizona steamed across the Pacific to join her fleet in Pearl Harbor,
Hawaii in early 1941.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Seaman First Class Stratton was
on his way to visit a shipmate in sick bay when the Japanese attack on
Pearl Harbor began. He immediately raced to his battle station, winding
through ship spaces and climbing three ladders to reach the Arizona's
sky control platform, where he yelled coordinates to the gun crews
firing at the incoming waves of Japanese bombers. Just minutes after he
arrived, a bomb struck a direct blow to the Arizona hitting the
ammunition stores, lifting the 35,000 ton ship out of the water, and
sending a fireball hundreds of feet skyward.
Seaman First Class Stratton and his shipmates in the director were
surrounded by flames. He and five other sailors were able to navigate
the burning wreckage and signal for help. Boatswain's Mate Second Class
Joe George from the USS Vestal came to their rescue and saved their
lives by repeatedly throwing a heaving line until the men were able to
secure it and climb seventy feet, hand over hand, to safety above the
inferno that raged below.
Boatswain's Mate Second Class Joe George disobeyed a direct order to
cut away from the Arizona and instead courageously fought to provide a
means of escape for the sailors. Mr. Stratton credited Joe George for
saving his life that day and petitioned for years to have his actions
recognized. Mr. Stratton called and wrote numerous letters, ultimately
meeting with President Trump before Joe George was awarded the Bronze
Star with ``V'' Device for his heroic actions that day.
Mr. Stratton was medically discharged from the Navy in 1942 and
returned to Nebraska. Ever the fighter, he decided to reenlist a year
later, deny orders to a stateside posting, and eventually joined the
USS Stack on its way to the Pacific. He fought in the invasion of the
Philippines, the invasion of Okinawa, and on patrol missions throughout
the Pacific theater.
After returning from war, Donald Stratton traveled the world, raised
a family, and devoted his life to preserving the story of what happened
that day. Donald is survived by his wife of 69 years Velma, son Randy
(Kathy) Stratton, brother Willie Stratton, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren.
Mr. Stratton was a hero. A selfless American who dedicated his life
to our country and fought to have his shipmates remembered long after
they, or he, had passed to another life. It was a privilege to have met
Mr. Stratton and it is an honor to stand and commemorate his incredible
and full life.
____________________
