General Donald Strait flew the P-51D Mustang “Jersey Jerk” (44-15152), when he was assigned to the 361st Fighter Squadron, 356th Fighter Group, 8th USAAF in Europe, stationed at Martlesham Heath, England. He was one of only five aerial Aces with the 356th Fighter Group, and was the Group’s highest scoring Ace with 13.5 victories.
His first three victories came while flying the P-47 Thunderbolt, and his remaining victories came while flying the P-51 Mustang. He flew 122 missions, completed two combat tours, and on November 20, 1944, he became the Commanding Officer of the 361st Fighter Squadron. After World War II, he joined the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Tactical Fighter Wing, where he served as the Squadron, Group, and Wing Commander. He flew the F-84, F-86, and the F-105 jet. He graduated from the Air War College in 1955. He was also appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Reserve and ROTC Affairs. He retired from the Air Force as a Major General in 1978.
He was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with 14 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Victory Medal, the European Theater Ribbon with 4 Battle Stars, the American Defense Ribbon, the USAF Civilian Service Award, and the Republic of Viet-nam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in 1989.
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