Pilot History
On April 18, 1943 Stratton flew a P-38 Lightning during the "Yamamoto Mission" flying top cover in the second flight, as element leader.

Mission History
Took off from Fighter 2 (Kukum) on Guadalcanal on an escort mission for B-24s bombing Kahili Airfield (Buin). Over the targt, Stratton was hit by anti-aircraft fire over the target, then entered combat with A6M Zeros over the target. Stratton claimed one shot down, but was hit from behind by another Zero, sustaining more damage. His wingman Moore chased this Zero away, but more attacked, and Moore again attempted to protect him. Unable to stop further attacks, Stratton's Airacobra was set on fire and crashed into the sea off the target.

Memorials
Declared dead the day of the mission. Stratton is memorialized on the 'tablets of the missing' at Manila American Cemetery.

References
13th Fighter Command in World War II pages 139, 150 (photo), 202
No MACR was apparently created for this loss

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Last Updated
October 16, 2009

P-39

MIA