Navy Captain Richard Stratton, a true American hero, passed away last month at the age of 93. He was laid to rest in his hometown of Quincy, Massachusetts, after a remarkable life marked by courage and resilience. Stratton is best known for surviving six harrowing years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.
Born in 1931 to a working-class Irish family, Stratton grew up in Quincy during World War II. His early aspirations to become a priest led him to seminary, but he eventually left to pursue a career in the Navy. After completing his studies at Georgetown University, he entered Navy flight school and became a naval aviator.
On January 5, 1967, while on a reconnaissance mission, Stratton was shot down and captured just a few miles from safety. His time in captivity was brutal. He was subjected to severe torture as his captors sought to extract a false confession from him regarding war crimes he did not commit. Despite the physical and psychological torment, Stratton’s spirit remained unbroken.
Stratton’s experience became widely known due to a significant incident during his captivity. The North Vietnamese planned to showcase him to the international press as a symbol of American atrocities. However, during this event, Stratton cleverly turned the tables. While his confession played in the background, he bowed in all directions, subtly discrediting the forced statement and highlighting the cruelty of his treatment. This act of defiance garnered international attention and sympathy for American POWs.
After being released in 1973, Stratton continued to serve his country and pursued a career in clinical social work, helping veterans cope with trauma and addiction. He was known for his deep faith, dedication to family, and commitment to honoring naval traditions.
Stratton’s legacy lives on as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. His funeral was a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. As he is laid to rest, his fellow sailors honor his memory and the watch he has now passed on.