Donald J Strait

Military
media-15053.jpeg UPL 15053 Major Donald A Strait of the 356th Fighter Group

Image taken from American Air Museum News - Issue 68

Object Number - UPL 15053 - Major Donald A Strait of the 356th Fighter Group

Being one of the few pilots in his class to be designated as a fighter pilot, Strait was assigned to the 356th Fighter Group, flying a P-47 Thunderbolt. He trained in Massachusetts and then

shipped out for England in late 1943. “That’s where I wanted to be … in a fighter. A bomber or transport would have killed me.” He paid homage to his home state by naming his fighter

The Jersey Jerk. “I loved the P-47. It was fantastic for attacking targets on the ground. Shooting up trains, trucks, airfields, whatever else was around. It was superb.”



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”.



Some years after his retirement his connection with Suffolk was rekindled. Charles “Holly” Hall, an aviation writer and cartoonist, met with Maj. Gen. Strait and other members of 356 Fighter Group during a visit to America in the late 90s. It was then that the airmen learned about Martlesham Heath Aviation Society (MHAS) and its aim to preserve the connection between the US Army Air Force and Suffolk.

Rob Dunnett, MHAS vice-chairman, said it started a “wonderful relationship” with biennial visits between the US and Martlesham as well as much financial support from the Americans to help MHAS and its Control Tower Museum.

Mr Dunnett, who hosted the General during his visits, described him as a “great gentleman who will be held in the highest regard by many”. “Donald Strait was an example to all men about how a life can be spent in achievement, fulfilment and contribution to others,” he added.



Despite his many accomplishments, General Strait’s memory focussed on the men he served with during World War II, and it is their memory he honored through his support of the

American Air Museum in Britain. “I supported the Museum even before the first spade of soil was turned. I have visited Duxford almost yearly. And I make sure I contribute every year. I do so because the 8th Air Force conducted the most important air operation in history, and we lost 30,000 men doing it. We need to keep their memory alive.”



Awards:

DFC with 2 Oak Leaf Cluster;

AM with 14 Oak Leaf Cluster;

LOM;

Pres. Unit Citation;

Silver Star;

WW II VM;

ETO with 4 battle stars;

Am. Def. Ribbon;

USAF Exceptional Civilian Service Award;

Republic of Vietnam's Gallantry Cross with palm '66 - '70



Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Nicknames: Jersey Jerk
  • Unit: 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron
P-47 Thunderbolt 42-28827 "Jersey Jerk"
  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Nicknames: Jersey Jerk
  • Unit: 350th Fighter Group 356th Fighter Group 346th Fighter Squadron 361st Fighter Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Nicknames: Jersey Jerk
  • Unit: 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: P-47 Thunderbolt
  • Nicknames: Jersey Jerk
  • Unit: 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
  • Nicknames: Jersey Jerk / Dixie Rambler II
  • Unit: 356th Fighter Group 361st Fighter Squadron

Missions

  • Date: 5 December 1944

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

East Orange, New Jersey 28 April 1918

Died

North Carolina, USA 30 March 2015

Based

End Tour of Duty (ETD) (1)

Martlesham Heath

Enlisted

Joined the 119th Observation Squadron of the New Jersey National Guard in 1940. The unit was nationalized in September 1940 in the Lead-up to World War II, and Strait was accepted into the pilot program in 1942.

Revisions

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saw error

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A. L. DESTRO II

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A. L. DESTRO II

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A. L. DESTRO II

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A. L. DESTRO II

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Update biography and connection courtesy of Russell Strait, with information from:

American Air Museum News - Issue 68;
http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/tributes_paid_to_ace_fighter_pilot_ma…;
Martlesham Heath Aviation Society;
http://www.littlefriends.co.uk

Date
ContributorAAM
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Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Ted Damick, VIII Fighter Command pilots list / self, Fighter Aces of the U. S. A. and Mustang Aces of the Eighth Air Force

Donald J Strait: Gallery (4 items)