Donald J. Strait

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. He played prep baseball at Verona High School, graduating in 1936.

In his teens, Strait had an interest in model aircraft and would ride his bicycle 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.

Military career

He enlisted with the New Jersey National Guard in 1940, serving with the 119th Observer Squadron, flying observation planes. He entered the United States Army's aviation cadet program in 1942. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Air Force, he completed his training in March 1943 on the P-47 Thunderbolt in Connecticut. He was assigned to lead the 361st Squadron in October 1944 and continues in that role for the remainder of the war. During World War II, he flew 122 missions and earned 13 kills (including 7 Messerschmitt Bf 109s), earning distinction as one of two National Guard pilots to achieve ace status.

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

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