Donald J. Strait

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Donald J. Strait
108th Fighter Group
108th Fighter Wing
108th Fighter-Bomber Group
108th Tactical Fighter Wing
New Jersey Air National Guard
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsSilver Star
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
Air Medal (15)
Department of the Air Force Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service

Donald Jackson Strait (April 28, 1918 – March 30, 2015) was a major general who served as a career officer in the United States Air Force and was a flying ace with the 356th Fighter Group during World War II.

Early life and education

Strait was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on April 28, 1918, and was raised in Verona, New Jersey.[1] He played prep baseball at Verona High School, graduating in 1936.[2]

In his teens, Strait had an interest in model aircraft and would ride his bicycle 8 miles (13 km) to the Caldwell Wright Airport, where he would watch the planes flying and speak to pilots and workers at the facility. He went to work for

Public Service Electric and Gas and then Prudential Insurance after graduating from high school.[3]

Military career

Strait, standing next to his plane the "Jersey Jerk"

He enlisted with the

Martlesham Heath Airfield, he was awarded the Silver Star.[5] He was assigned to lead the 361st Squadron in October 1944 and continues in that role for the remainder of the war.[6] During World War II, he flew 122 missions and earned 131⁄2 kills (including 71⁄2 Messerschmitt Bf 109s), earning distinction as one of two National Guard pilots to achieve ace status.[4]

He was hired by

Fairchild-Republic in 1968, where he was involved in the development of the A-10 Thunderbolt II.[4]

In 1989, Strait was recognized with induction into the Aviation Hall of Fame and Museum of New Jersey.[7]

Death

Strait died on March 30, 2015. His wife, the former Louise Lyons, died in 2001, after 55 years of marriage.[8]

References

  1. ^ Sherman, Stephen. "Captain Donald J. Strait 356th Fighter Group Ace", Acepilots.com, December 1999, updated June 29, 2011. Accessed September 6, 2021. "He was born on April 28, 1918 and grew up in Verona, New Jersey."
  2. ^ "Donald J. Strait", The Pilot, April 3, 2015. Accessed February 24, 2022. "Born April 28, 1918, in East Orange, N.J., he packed his 96 years with successes and honors whether on the Verona High School baseball team, in the U.S. Air Force, Fairchild Industries, every golf course he teed up on, or in his personal life."
  3. ^
    United States Air National Guard
    , May 15, 2008. Accessed February 24, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d NGEF Guard Muster Donald J. Strait, National Guard Education Foundation. Accessed February 24, 2022. "The one name perhaps most associated with the history of the New Jersey Air National Guard is Major General Don Strait. Donald Jackson Strait was born in East Orange New Jersey on 28 April 1918. He was interested in aviation since his very early years and in 1940, he enlisted in the New Jersey National Guard’s 119th Observation Squadron just about the time that unit was called to active duty."
  5. American Air Museum
    . Accessed February 24, 2012. "Known as the 'John Wayne' of 356 Fighter Group, he was based at Martlesham Heath Airfield from 1943-45, where he was recognised with a Silver Star for his bravery, and was given the title of 'Top Ace'."
  6. Newspapers.com
    .
  7. ^ Donald J. Strait, Veteran Tributes. Accessed February 24, 2022. "Donald Strait was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in 1989."
  8. ^ Obituary - Major General Donald J Strait, Martlesham Heath Aviation Society. Accessed February 24, 2022. "Donald Jackson Strait, AKA Don, Dad, Grampy, Ace, The Tiger, and always 'The General,' died at home with his family on Monday, March 30, 2015."
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