STRATTON ARTHUR T

CW2 Arthur T Stratton was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/07/1973 at the age of 29.7 from Murder
Fairbanks, AK
Flight Class 67-9
Date of Birth 10/08/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 7/1 CAV in 67-68, B/3/17 CAV in 68-69
Call sign in Vietnam RED HORSE
This information was provided by Karin Bartow, Bill Springer

More detail on this person: iIworked in Alaska for several years in the 70's I know of three Vietnam vet pilots who were killed/died during that time. First was DeLand Graham, "D" I remember him from flight school and believe he was in 66-5, at least he was ahead of me in 66-7. His home was Wichita Falls Tx. he was married and living in Wolters Village. He worked for Utility Helicopters and did a hitch in Argentina where he picked up a local wife. I don't think there were any children from either marriage. We double crewed a Bell 206B for Anchorage Helicopter Svc. working with core drillers on the Alaska pipeline in the spring of 1971. He was on nights and taking off from the highway about 5 miles east of Fairbanks. Hit some wires, which severed the push-pull tubes. The A/C spun into the trees throwing D out, He hit his head on (a tree) and died instantly. The A/C burned and the other 2 pass didn't get out. I believe this happened in June 71. Second is Mike Tinker. I was in B flight at wolters with Mike in 1967-68. I think he was in a class ahead of me also. He was flying a Bell-47 with 2 geologists in central alaska in the spring of 1970 or 71 for Anchorage Helicopters. He had just started work for them and this was his first flight, probably less than a week. They were missing for several days and all died in the crash, I think engine failure was the cause. They rolled down a hill quit a ways. He had worked for Cascade or Columbia heli in Washington the prior season. I think that was his home. Last and saddest is Art Stratton. He worked for Anchorage Helicopters in the early 70's. Probably in a class in 68/69. Lost his job due to a drinking problem. What little history I remember there was talk about him getting the silver star after being shot down and EandEing out for several days. Maybe early PTSD that went untreated, back in those days that was more common than we'll ever know. He died in an alley in

Fairbanks I think in 1974. He was working as a drummer in a band but I lost track of him in 73. I've never seen these names in the directory and if you need more info try Jack Audiss or Frank Heffernan.

From: Bill Springer

Art's date of death was July 7, 1973, and several said he was found in the Fairbanks cabin that he lived in. His sister, who is supportive of my seraching and interested in learning more, said that he was found in his car. In either case, the cause of his death is unknown. After he stopped flying, he had a firewood business and also was a drummer in a Fairbanks band.

Art served two tours and here is the information on them: 7th Armored Squadron, 1st Air Cavalry, The Blackhawk, Aug. 1967-April 1968, CW2, WO1 Red Horse, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 1968-1969, Warrant Officer 1. Also, he was awarded a Purple Heart.

Most of all, I am hoping that somehow I will find some of his fellow servicemen to connect with and learn more about my cousin.

From: Karin Bartow

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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