Lord Lest I Continue My Complacent Ways Who Wrote It
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"Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way,
Help me to remember that somewhere,
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there be war,
must answer
Am I worth dying for?"
Update 12/8/18
I read in this mornings paper. Yesterday for the first time, there were no survivors present from the USS Arizona for the 77th anniversary o
"Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way,
Help me to remember that somewhere,
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there be war,
must answer
Am I worth dying for?"
Update 12/8/18
I read in this mornings paper. Yesterday for the first time, there were no survivors present from the USS Arizona for the 77th anniversary of the attack. The five remaining survivors, Lauren Bruner, 98, Lou Conter, 97, Lonnie Cook, 98, Ken Potts, 97 and Donald Stratton, 97 were unable to travel to Oahu this year. Thank you for your service and the world I grew up in.
Thank you Mr Stratton
I write this with tears. I read in the paper this morning the Donald Stratton died Saturday 2/15/2020. Lou Conter and Ken Potts are the last survivors of the U.S.S. Arizona. I again thank all WWII Veterans for the world that I grew up in. Thank you.
...more This is the greatest non fiction book that I have ever read. From the beginning to the end it will grab your heart and move you to tears. I had to read awhile and put it down to dry tears and then pick it up again only to dry tears again. This sailor allows you into the most precious part of him to read what happened that December morning in Pearl harbor and brings the terror of the attack and the loss of so many gallant men into your life. My father served in the Pacific during World War I
Wow!This is the greatest non fiction book that I have ever read. From the beginning to the end it will grab your heart and move you to tears. I had to read awhile and put it down to dry tears and then pick it up again only to dry tears again. This sailor allows you into the most precious part of him to read what happened that December morning in Pearl harbor and brings the terror of the attack and the loss of so many gallant men into your life. My father served in the Pacific during World War II and I personally thank this sailor for his story. It truly allows us to see what happened during that War. Thank you Sir for sharing your story and your gallant life with me and the other numerous readers. Your bravery and the bravery of all those that day are truly standards that were set and that we can hope to meet. Extremely well written and very moving. Again thank you for sharing this story with us. God Bless you and your family and thank you again for your brave and gallant service.
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As a military officer, I stand and salute this book. It tells the story of the brave who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor.
What is special is that it is told through the experiences of a survivor.
May we be a people of peace and never attack or be attacked in the future.
This story hits on every point just enough not to bog down the overall powerful message with minute details. But what keeps coming to my mind, even after finishing, is the message Eleanor Roosevelt kept in her wallet from the rest of her life following the attacks on Pearl Harbor. It's entitled "Wartime Prayer." Dear Lord,. Lest I continue. My complacent way, Help me to remember that somewhere, Somehow out there. A man died for me today. As long as there be war, I then must. Ask and answer. Am I worth dying for?
That last sentence, "am I worth dying for" makes me want to be a better person. It makes me want to always remember the sacrifice so many have made, and continue to make, so that I may enjoy the freedoms I take for granted daily. I'm grateful to the gallant men of World War 1, my uncle, and this beautiful tribute on their behalf.
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Possably the best book I have ever read. Just the right length and not alot of flowery descriptions.. Just the facts and such an emotional feel to Donald Stratton. Loved it and cried thru most of it. I feel that I am well acquainted with Donald Stratton.. Absolutely loved every page.
I felt this memoir. It got to me. I could make out the scenes in my mind. The descriptions were palpable. The history rich with sorrow. So sad for the few young people that lived with the horrors of Pearl Harbor etched in their minds. I learned so much from these pages. Humbling. "Have I lived a good life?"
Raw emotionI felt this memoir. It got to me. I could make out the scenes in my mind. The descriptions were palpable. The history rich with sorrow. So sad for the few young people that lived with the horrors of Pearl Harbor etched in their minds. I learned so much from these pages. Humbling. "Have I lived a good life?"
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On December 7, 1941, after the USS Arizona was hit, Donald and four others made it safely across a rope tied to another ship - a miracle on a day that claimed the lives of 1,177 of their shipmates. He was burned on over thirty percent of his body and spent a year in military hospitals recovering. He refused doctors' advice to amputate his limbs and eventually learned to walk again. He was given a medical discharge, but he had unfinished business for his country, and in June 1944, he re-entered the Navy, and was stationed aboard a destroyer, which was destined for combat in the crucial battles of the Pacific.
What I loved most about the book was Donald's insight into his battle for forgiveness of those who had taken so much from him. He recounts how at the 25th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Captain Mitsuo Fuchida, who commanded the first wave of Japanese planes and photographed it so he could document the defeat of the US Navy, but who later in life found God and became a traveling evangelist, also came to the memorial and how he struggled with his feelings and anger toward Fuchida, and how he could not bring himself to shake his hand. He also broached the subject of the bombing of Hiroshima and talked about how the US military put out countless leaflets warning residents to evacuate the area (of which I had no idea). What he said struck me to the core ... "Even if you believe America shouldn't have used the atomic bomb on Japan, you should know that we tried nearly everything, so we would not have to use it. It was a reluctant last resort. One more thing you should know ... None of us at Pearl Harbor got leaflets like that from the Japanese."
I could go on and on about the nuggets of wisdom I gleaned from this book, but I will simply end this by saying that one of my reading goals for 2020 is to read more memoirs because every time I read one, I learn so much that I can apply to my own life, and All Of The Gallant Men only reaffirms my resolve. I cannot recommend this book highly enough! As George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." All the stars for this incredibly moving read.
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It's a hard, hard story to hear. Especially when he described the kamikaze attacks at the end of the war and what absolute target sailors were on the ships. Night, day, storm whatever- you never knew, there was no "let down". Amazing and beyond valor that he was in at the very beginning of WWII and the very end battle also.
This would be an exceptional read for those who have little knowledge of WWII apart from Europe, the Arizona's story itself, or the Japanese front desperation and cost of lives in the Pacific Theater before the bomb was dropped.
This was a era in which the type of hero who was a purely "common" man like Donald WAS common in vast numbers. No more. That level of sacrifice is rarer now than it ever was. Individual self-involvement reigns.
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The writing was good. The voice was clear. I learned so much from it. The telling of the events of Pearl Harbor and afterwards was so matter of fact. The narrative was not colored in emotional language the way things like this often are. You only see glimpses of Stratton's emotions peeking through until the end where he opens up more. You could see how deeply buried the events of Pearl Harbor and the war were buried inside him, how he was never the same after that day. And
Exceeds expectations.The writing was good. The voice was clear. I learned so much from it. The telling of the events of Pearl Harbor and afterwards was so matter of fact. The narrative was not colored in emotional language the way things like this often are. You only see glimpses of Stratton's emotions peeking through until the end where he opens up more. You could see how deeply buried the events of Pearl Harbor and the war were buried inside him, how he was never the same after that day. And how could you be?
Stratton's story made me think of things in a way I never had before. For instance, how when a person's life is stolen from them we not only lose a life but also his or her future, potential, and the children and family that could have been. Likewise, when a life is saved it impacts the present and also the future in a big way. It was touching how Stratton looked forward to meeting the daughter of the man who saved him and introducing his children and grandchildren to her so that she could see the future that her father created.
Stratton also highlighted the idea of living ones life in such a way that it is worth the sacrifices that made it possible. He strove to live a worthy life because he was saved when so many were not. It would likely be a better world if we all did the same and made our lives worth the very dear price that was paid for them.
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While I cannot truly begin to imagine how horrifying it must have been to watch one of the most devastating attacks in history unfold before my eyes, the vivid writing style really brought to life the experiences of Don Stratton, and allowed me to feel his emotions of anger, patriotism, and courage through his words, leaving me with a strong sense of reverence for all those who have fought in the war.
This book goes into details about the HUMAN
"in an hour, boys had become men, and men, heroes."While I cannot truly begin to imagine how horrifying it must have been to watch one of the most devastating attacks in history unfold before my eyes, the vivid writing style really brought to life the experiences of Don Stratton, and allowed me to feel his emotions of anger, patriotism, and courage through his words, leaving me with a strong sense of reverence for all those who have fought in the war.
This book goes into details about the HUMAN aspect of war and discusses the perspectives of families who lost their sons at sea as well as the collective effort of people from different walks of life to come together and contribute to help strengthen America under FDR's leadership. I think that this human aspect is one that we do not usually see in documentaries etc (which often focus on facts and numbers) and reading about the war from this perspective is really important for us in order to remember to not take the freedom we have today for granted.
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Donald Stratton was one of only 335 sailors who survived the bombing of the USS Arizona that day. One of five who were still alive 75 years later.
I learned so much from this book. My husband bought it last week when we visited the memorial at P
Wow. This book was fascinating. Horrifying. Historical. Biographical. The author and writer did a great job verifying facts, gathering photos and information, and getting the book published for the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.Donald Stratton was one of only 335 sailors who survived the bombing of the USS Arizona that day. One of five who were still alive 75 years later.
I learned so much from this book. My husband bought it last week when we visited the memorial at Pearl Harbor. So much history on this beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu.
They truly were the greatest generation—military and civilians. Americans.
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The audio was wonderful. I imagined the narrator (Mike Ortego) to be Don Stratton himself. He sounded so conversational, as if he was speaking directly to me.
What I was not aware of was that Commander Mitsuo Fuchida - who led the attack on PH, had become a farmer in Japan and did not like being forgotten. He decided to become a Christ
He tells of the frustration and heartbreak that his family and others went through as they waited to know if their sons were returning. I empathized every moment.The audio was wonderful. I imagined the narrator (Mike Ortego) to be Don Stratton himself. He sounded so conversational, as if he was speaking directly to me.
What I was not aware of was that Commander Mitsuo Fuchida - who led the attack on PH, had become a farmer in Japan and did not like being forgotten. He decided to become a Christian Evangelist. I am sure to get rich in addition to being in the limelight again. At one point he came to the US, with a few Zero pilots still living, to the Arizona Memorial. He brought a film crew and wanted to film the Arizona survivors and the Japanese pilots shaking hands! Don was there and was asked if he would participate (he declined of course)…. his response was wonderful (he wanted to say a few choice words but didn't). And so were a few other comments made by others.
There is so much in this book besides that horrendous day. The lives he noticed around him during that time, Don's time in the burn units, his re-enlistment and most important, his thoughts.
I noticed a FB page just for him, (I signed up) and a WWII's Foundation DVD about Joe George who risked his life and went against orders to save a few lives. "Lifeline Pearl Harbor's Unknown Hero".
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I was hoping for a more personal memoir, such as UNBROKEN, but found the first 85% of this work to be a history lesson. Don Stratton is finally shown in a more personal way for the last 15% of the book, but I almost didn't make it there.
Mr. Stratton is a man to be admired as a hero, but this writing was highly inspirational. I blame part of that on the actual writer, Ken Girl. Some of
Finishing this book on the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, I wanted to LOVE it. Unfortunately, it is just okay.I was hoping for a more personal memoir, such as UNBROKEN, but found the first 85% of this work to be a history lesson. Don Stratton is finally shown in a more personal way for the last 15% of the book, but I almost didn't make it there.
Mr. Stratton is a man to be admired as a hero, but this writing was highly inspirational. I blame part of that on the actual writer, Ken Girl. Some of the blame must fall on the publisher for rushing a mediocre book to market to coincide with the 75th anniversary. More time devoted to the fleshing out of this book might have led to a more satisfying read.
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I am positive that I have mentioned this in previous reviews; but, once again; I am extremely involved in learning as much as possible about World War II, specifically the Pacific Theater. It was this area which changed a great deal of World History in regards to the United States. It was also this area that shaped the young man who would become my father; thus shaping even my own life.
For the second time while giving a review, I must say that this book holds not only a well portrayed history; b
I am positive that I have mentioned this in previous reviews; but, once again; I am extremely involved in learning as much as possible about World War II, specifically the Pacific Theater. It was this area which changed a great deal of World History in regards to the United States. It was also this area that shaped the young man who would become my father; thus shaping even my own life.
For the second time while giving a review, I must say that this book holds not only a well portrayed history; but, also all of the best written material that a writer of fictional thrillers would use to enthrall his or her reading audience.
This history was written in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pear Harbor. It allows the reader, not simply a first person account of the event and what would follow; but a true feeling of what it was like to be on a ship (The USS Arizona) during the attack. The book introduces the reader to a 19-year-old American Seaman, First Class Donald Stratton who instantly became a man as friends and shipmates vanished around him.
The reader is given a not just a history and biography of some of the men who perished that day; but an in-depth look at what those men beloved human beings. It also proves how the country (USA) banned together as one to help with the war effort. It shows how an average person can, in an instant become prejudice against an entire culture, and how that prejudice and hatred can linger throughout the years.
It offers an inside look at a person, burned over 65% of his body, with bombs and bullets flying at him can muster the strength to survive. This book reveals what it takes not only to survive; but, also to learn once again, the little things in life, from walking to re-enlisting to continue to fight for our country.
This book gave me a great deal of understanding of what the soldiers, sailors, etc. of the United States who fought in the Pacific Theater went through; not just the battles, but the physical and psychological horrors that were endured. This book, above all others, has helped me to understand what happened to my own father; to understand his views and his nightmares; but, most of all, it helped me understand how a person can go from wanting nothing more than to be out of the service to wanting nothing more than being involved with the war effort.
This is a 10 Star book. I am defiantly glad I read it and suggest that everyone, whether or not WWII directly affected your life should read it too.
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The title of the book comes from the words at the WWII Valor in the Pacific Memorial:
TO THE MEMORY OF THE GALLANT MEN
HERE ENTOMBED AND THEIR SHIPMATES
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN ACTION
ON DECEMBER 7, 1941
Like many young men of that time, Stratton signed up for t
Donald Stratton is one of five living survivors (as of the writing of the book and this review) of the USS Arizona. Since no survivor has written a memoir, Stratton figured that he should tell the story of the Arizona before there was no left.The title of the book comes from the words at the WWII Valor in the Pacific Memorial:
TO THE MEMORY OF THE GALLANT MEN
HERE ENTOMBED AND THEIR SHIPMATES
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN ACTION
ON DECEMBER 7, 1941
Like many young men of that time, Stratton signed up for the Navy to provide a steady paycheck for his Depression-stricken, Dust Bowl family. And even though it's been 75 years, memories of things seen that day--and his Navy service in general--remain sharp and strong. I thought I knew about Pearl Harbor, since I'd read books and visited the memorial, but this contained the details that I'd never imagined. Stories of men who died that day (his friends and acquaintances), of their families, of the men and women who helped the survivors. The list of names at the memorial is more to Stratton, because they are actually men that he knew.
Some things I found particularly interesting:
(view spoiler)[
* The descriptions of the destruction of the ship, of the flying shrapnel and body parts... (shiver) The descriptions of the burned seamen trying to escape the burning ships and oily waters... Of trying to save those trapped or identify the dead... It's things like this that even the Pearl Harbor movie didn't capture.
* It took 13 days for the family of one of his shipmates to receive word that their son/brother was dead. 13 days! That seems so unfathomable in this day of instant communication, even though the same sort of thing happened after 9/11 because no one was sure who was in the building and who wasn't.
* He still hasn't forgiven the Japanese military for what it did. It's understandable, considering what he went through. I really appreciate his honesty, saying that the scars (literal and figurative) are still fresh, even after all this time.
* His sweet appreciation for the men and women who helped at the hospital, who worked long hours and tried to help every man that they could. Who did their best to make sure that no one died alone.
(hide spoiler)]
Pearl Harbor feels like history now, shadowed by 9/11, but there are still those who remember it, and I appreciated reading this book. I definitely recommend it.
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The attack on Pearl Harbor lasted 2 hours. It could have been avoided if the upper brass had overcome their arrogance and paid heed to the warnings that came the
Stratton grew up poor on a farm, which saw increased poverty during the Great Depression. Like many others he enlisted in the military for the secure pay. He found himself assigned to the Arizona in the garden spot of Hawaii. Soon he bonded with his shipmates on a huge ship that was a community in itself, complete with shops and a band.The attack on Pearl Harbor lasted 2 hours. It could have been avoided if the upper brass had overcome their arrogance and paid heed to the warnings that came their way.
Stratton tells us why Japan attacked and how the US gave Japan warning after warning before driven to drop the atomic bombs. I was glad to learn of the reluctance and why bombing was necessary. The Japanese military had a deeply ingrained code that believed in honor above life. It took nuclear catastrophe to convince her to surrender. And I was also glad to learn that the US response was not punitive but showed a desire to rebuild Japan as a peaceful nation. The Emperor would remain to oversee the rebuilding.
There is so much detail that the history books don't provide. The attack and its aftermath, the civilian response to the attack, the political response. The unsung heroes, both men and women of all races and backgrounds.
The horror of the attack and loss of lives haunts Stratton for the rest of his life, although he speaks little of it. His anger remains directed at the Japanese military, even though those who remain have changed over the years.
Here is an important book that puts us at the scene.
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He quoted this touching poem that Eleanor Roosevelt carried in her wallet:
Lest I continue
My complacent way,
Help me to remember that somewhere,
Somehow out there
A man died for me today.
As long as there be war,
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?
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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30107571-all-the-gallant-men
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