Foil: 1 Panel: 1 Column: 1 Line: 72

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Donald J. Strait was born April 28, 1918 in East Orange, New Jersey.

Enlisted in the 119th Observation Squadron, Army Air Corps, January 1940. Qualified for pilot training in March 1942 and received his wings and commission as a 2nd Lt. in January 1943.

Completed P-47 transition in March 1943 and assigned to the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, Westover Air Base, MA.

The 356th after completing operational training in the States was deployed to England in August, 1943 and based at Martlesham Heath as part of the 8th Air Force.

Participating in long-range bomber escort missions and air-ground support of the allied forces, he completed two combat tours and 122 missions in the P-47 and P-51. The leading Ace of the 356th Fighter Group with 13-1/2 victories, he rose to the rank of Major and command of the 361st Fighter Squadron.

After World War II (WWII), he joined the New Jersey Air National Guard in October 1946, rose to the rank of major general, and served as the Squadron, Group and Wing Commander of the 108th Tactical Fighter Wing during the Korean conflict and Berlin crisis. He then became Commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard.

He graduated from the Air War College in 1955, and President Eisenhower appointed him deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force Reserve and ROTC. He went back to active duty for the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Berlin Crisis (flying the RF-84F Thunderstreak).

The general entered civilian life in 1968 after 38 years serving his country. As vice president of Fairchild Industries he applied his piloting experience and aviation knowledge to the development of the A-10 fighter bomber.

After retirement from the USAF in 1978 he was inducted, in 1989, into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame.

Married to Louise Lyon in May of 1945, they have three children and six grandchildren.

Resided in Foxfire Village, Jackson Springs, North Carolina where he was an avid golfer, woodworker, and sports enthusiast. General Strait passed away 30 March 2015.

MILITARY DECORATIONS

Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross - 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal - 14 Oak Leaf Clusters
Presidential Unit Citation (Airborne Invasion of Holland)
Victory Medal
European Theater Ribbon - 4 Battle Stars
American Defense Ribbon
USAF Exceptional Civilian Service Award
Republic of Vietnam - Gallantry Cross with Palm 1966-1970