Donald Stratton, USS Arizona Survivor, Has Died

Donald Stratton, USS Arizona survivor, has died, marking the end of an era for one of the last living witnesses of the Pearl Harbor attack. On the morning of December 7, 1941, six sailors were rescued from the burning and sinking USS Arizona (BB-39) by Joe George, a courageous crew member aboard the repair ship USS Vestal (AR-4). On February 15, 2020, one of those brave men, Donald Stratton, passed away after dedicating much of his life to ensuring that Joe George received the recognition he deserved.

Before his passing, Stratton was one of only three surviving USS Arizona crew members. Now, only Lou Conter and Ken Potts remain, carrying the responsibility of sharing their firsthand accounts of the attack on Pearl Harbor—a pivotal event that led the United States into World War II.

Donald Stratton’s lifelong mission was to ensure that the events of December 7, 1941, and the sacrifices made by those aboard the USS Arizona would never be forgotten. “One of Donald’s final wishes was that people remember Pearl Harbor and the men aboard the USS Arizona,” his wife Velma shared on Facebook. “Share their story and never forget those who gave all for our great country.”

Stratton dedicated much of his post-war life to keeping the memory of Pearl Harbor alive. His memoir, All the Gallant Men, provides a gripping account of the attack, the severe burns he suffered, the heroic actions of Joe George, his arduous recovery, and his eventual return to military service.

Born on July 14, 1922, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, Donald Stratton grew up in the heart of America’s Midwest. After graduating from high school, like many patriotic young men of his time, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. In the fall of 1940, he was assigned to the USS Arizona, where he manned an anti-aircraft gun. Just over a year later, he found himself at the center of one of the most devastating attacks in U.S. history.

In the early hours of December 7, 1941, Stratton stepped onto the deck of the USS Arizona and saw Japanese dive bombers approaching. The call to battle stations rang out, and he climbed three ladders to reach his position. As he prepared to fire the 5-inch guns, the ship was struck by devastating enemy fire.

The Arizona suffered catastrophic damage within minutes. Flames engulfed the deck, setting Stratton’s uniform on fire. He and five fellow sailors, severely burned and desperate for help, signaled for assistance. Their cries reached Joe George aboard the USS Vestal. Disobeying direct orders to cut ties with the doomed battleship, George threw a lifeline to the trapped men, saving their lives.

Due to his severe injuries, Stratton was medically discharged in September 1942 and returned to Red Cloud to recover. However, his desire to serve never wavered. By February 1944, he successfully reenlisted in the Navy. He went on to fight in critical battles across the Pacific, including campaigns in New Guinea, the Philippines, and the decisive Battle of Okinawa. His unwavering dedication ensured that he both witnessed the start and end of World War II.

After the war, Stratton worked for a diving company and later in offshore drilling. But his most important mission was to honor Joe George, the man who saved his life. Stratton and his fellow survivors campaigned tirelessly for decades to have George officially recognized. In 2017, their efforts paid off when Joe George was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic actions.

Unlike some USS Arizona survivors who chose to have their ashes interred with their fallen shipmates, Stratton opted to be buried in his home state of Nebraska. His legacy, however, remains forever tied to the men of the USS Arizona and the memory of Pearl Harbor.

Donald Stratton is survived by his wife of 69 years, four children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His story, his bravery, and his dedication to honoring the past will continue to inspire future generations. His final wish was simple: “Remember Pearl Harbor.”