Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton recounts his harrowing experience during the attack on December 7, 1941. Stratton served on the port-side anti-aircraft gun director on the foremast platform, just above the bridge. He was inside the director when the Arizona exploded, suffering burns over 65% of his body.
Remarkably, after a long and painful recovery, Donald Stratton re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy, determined to return to duty and serve through the remainder of World War II.
USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton recounts his harrowing experience during the attack on December 7, 1941. Stratton served on the port-side anti-aircraft gun director on the foremast platform, just above the bridge. He was inside the director when the Arizona exploded, suffering burns over 65% of his body.
Remarkably, after a long and painful recovery, Donald Stratton re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy, determined to return to duty and serve through the remainder of World War II.
