Public invited to attend Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton’s memorial service
The public is invited to attend a memorial service for Colorado Springs resident Donald Stratton, the revered Pearl Harbor survivor who died last weekend at 97.
Stratton’s family has asked the attendees to wear red, white and blue Hawaiian shirts, USS Arizona apparel or service uniforms.
The service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel, 4285 N. Academy Blvd.
Stratton, who had lived in Colorado Springs for 13 years, will have a permanent place in the Pikes Peak region’s pantheon of heroes. The Fillmore Street Bridge over Interstate 25 was named in his honor and a piece of his battleship’s wreckage remains on display at the Colorado Springs Airport after Stratton helped local leaders obtain it.
In the twilight of his life, Stratton shared memories for a book that serves as a memorial to his Arizona shipmates. “All the Gallant Men” recalls Stratton’s survival and the heroism that was commonplace among sailors during the attack.
Stratton is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Velma, four children and 13 grandchildren. To read the full article about Stratton, click here.
Burial, also open to the public, will be March 2, at Red Cloud Cemetery in Red Cloud, Neb.
Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton stands with his hand over his heart as the Mesa Ridge High School Naval JROTC posts the colors during Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Observance on in December 2018, Dec. 7, 2018, at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum. Stratton was a Navy Gunner’s Mate on the USS Arizona and suffered burns to 65 percent of his body in the Japanese attack. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
Brooke Schocke, 14, begins to cry as her dad, Rob Schocke, gives Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton, 96, a gift at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum on Friday. Brooke visited Pearl Harbor when she was 11 and had dreamed of meeting a survivor of the attack ever since. The Schockes flew to the Springs from Fort Worth, Texas, hoping to meet Stratton. Brooke said she broke down when she realized her dream had come true. (The Gazette, Christian Murdock)
Donald Stratton was on the cover of Parade Magazine in 2016.
Donald Stratton, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, wrote a book in 2016 about his incredible experience at Pearl Harbor. He also is featured as an action figure.
Donald Stratton’s enlistment photo. Last week’s commissioning event celebrated the Colorado Springs resident and his heroic story. With burns over two-thirds of his body, Stratton pulled himself through raging flames to safely board the nearby USS Vestal. He was one of just 335 from the Arizona’s crew of 1,512 who survived the attack. Following two years’ secure display at the Colorado Springs Airport, the exhibit will be relocated to a public venue in the city. Photo by Brett Seymour via Pikes Peak Heroes Legacy Committee
Donald Stratton, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, wrote a book about his incredible experience at Pearl Harbor. His two granddaughters played basketball for Coronado High School. Courtesy photo
danny.summers@pikespeaknewspapers.com
