(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Donald Jackson Strait (ASN: 0-796042), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
361st Fighter SquadronRegiment:
356th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Donald Jackson Strait (ASN: 0-796042), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
361st Fighter SquadronRegiment:
356th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
May 19 – December 5, 1944
Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (February 2, 1945)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Donald Jackson Strait (ASN: 0-796042), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-47 Fighter Airplane of the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action while escorting heavy bombers on three (3) missions over Germany, 19 May 1944, 26 November 1944, and 5 December 1944. On the first mission, Captain Strait, with a flight of four (4) P-47’s, attacked approximately forty (40) enemy fighters preparing to intercept the bombers. During the ensuing battle he destroyed one (1) ME-109 while his Flight accounted for two (2) more. The mission dispatched 26 November 1944 was carried out with the same high degree of success when Captain Strait and his Squadron frustrated an assault by approximately one hundred and fifty (150) enemy aircraft. Twelve (12) enemy planes were destroyed, one (1) probably destroyed, and three (3) were damaged. Captain Strait personally destroyed one plane and shared in the destruction of another. While leading a flight of fighters on the 5 December 1944 operation, approximately forty (40) FW-190’s were encountered. Four (4) of them were shot down, two (2) by Captain Strait, and the enemy was dispersed. The superb leadership and dauntless courage displayed by Captain Strait in attacking a vastly superior force on each of these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
June 1965 – January 1976
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Donald Jackson Strait (ASN: 0-796042), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Assistant Chief of Staff for Air with the New Jersey Department of Defense from June 1965 to January 1976. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Strait culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
361st Fighter SquadronRegiment:
356th Fighter GroupDivision:
8th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Donald Jackson Strait (ASN: 0-796042), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-47 Fighter Pilot of the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.