The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe – Episode 417: Nikki Stratton—All the Gallant Men

Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction

In episode 417 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe, host Mike Rowe welcomes Nikki Stratton, the granddaughter of Donald Stratton, a survivor of the infamous USS Arizona during the Pearl Harbor attack. The episode delves into Donald Stratton's harrowing experiences, his legacy, and Nikki's role in preserving his story through her sponsorship of the new USS Arizona submarine.

Background on USS Arizona and Donald Stratton

Mike Rowe introduces Nikki Stratton, highlighting her pivotal role as the sponsor of the forthcoming USS Arizona submarine, designated SSN Arizona (Submersible Ship Nuclear). Rowe emphasizes the historical significance of the USS Arizona, which famously sank during the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor.

• [00:31] Mike Rowe: "December 7th is upon us. And Nikki Stratton is a woman who is the sponsor of the new USS Arizona, or SSN Arizona."

Nikki explains the profound connection her family has with the USS Arizona, noting that her grandfather, Donald Stratton, survived the initial attack and later authored the book All the Gallant Men, which serves as a testament to the men who served aboard the battleship.

The Attack on Pearl Harbor: A Personalized Perspective

Nikki Stratton provides a deeply personal account of her grandfather's experiences during the Pearl Harbor attack. She recounts how Donald Stratton was in his battle station when the surprise assault commenced, leading to the catastrophic sinking of the USS Arizona. The discussion highlights the immense physical and emotional toll the attack had on Stratton and his shipmates.

• [01:19] Mike Rowe: "It was man. What happened in Pearl harbor on the 7th of December, 1941 is infuriating."

Nikki shares vivid details from her grandfather's memoir, emphasizing the chaos, the brutal firefight, and the tragic loss of life. She underscores the importance of remembering such events to prevent history from repeating itself.

• [02:27] Mike Rowe: "This book is a miracle. And the fact that his granddaughter is now the sponsor of the ship that he occupied 80 some years ago, it really is a total circle."
• [03:20] Mike Rowe: "Guys, I am telling you, it's a miracle he lived."

Joe George's Heroism

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Joe George, a sailor aboard the USS Vestal, who played a crucial role in saving Donald Stratton's life during the attack. Nikki recounts how George defied orders to assist Stratton and his fellow shipmates, ultimately saving six lives but facing severe repercussions for his insubordination.

• [30:39] Chuck: "That's an amazing story."
• [30:40] Mike Rowe: "Yeah, I would like for people to at least know that. Spoiler alert, folks."

Nikki elaborates on George's actions, highlighting the complexity of his character—a known fighter who chose selflessness over aggression when it mattered most.

• [43:16] Mike Rowe: "So, as you might have heard, the big wireless carriers are offering the latest iPhone for free..."
• (Note: This section contains an advertisement and is thus skipped in the summary)

Nikki Stratton's Role as Ship Sponsor

Nikki discusses her responsibilities as the sponsor of the new USS Arizona submarine. She explains the ceremonial duties, including the keel laying where she personally welded her initials onto the submarine, symbolizing her family's enduring legacy.

• [81:32] Nikki Stratton: "I'm very involved. The very first milestone of sponsorship is called the Keelun."
• [83:31] Mike Rowe: "So what do you do in real life?"

Nikki shares her hands-on involvement in the construction and ceremonial aspects of the submarine, fostering a tangible connection between past and present.

Artifacts and Symbolism

Throughout the episode, Nikki showcases various artifacts related to the USS Arizona, including pieces of armor plating and an action figure modeled after her grandfather. These items serve as physical reminders of the ship's history and the personal stories embedded within it.

• [73:37] Chuck: "Amazing."
• [76:27] Chuck: "Did he sign it on the back?"
• [76:36] Mike Rowe: "All right, now for the cool thing, the next gen thing. So this is a model of the future USS Arizona nuclear submarine which was named in 2019 by Secretary Thomas Motley."

These artifacts not only honor the memory of those who served but also engage younger generations, inspiring them to appreciate and continue the legacy of service and sacrifice.

Preserving Legacy and Family Mission

Nikki Stratton emphasizes her dedication to ensuring that her grandfather’s story, along with those of his shipmates, is not forgotten. She discusses her efforts in collecting oral histories, authoring the family memoir, and actively participating in events that honor the USS Arizona and its crew.

• [68:25] Mike Rowe: "So when do you feel personally like you because it feels like you're on a mission or became. What's the right word?"
• [72:56] Nikki Stratton: "Once my grandfather, they got him on an open air truck, they got him to like the triage center..."

Nikki reflects on the importance of remembering history to prevent complacency and the repetition of past mistakes, drawing parallels to contemporary events and national challenges.

• [69:57] Mike Rowe: "Your pop says something about it in here. [...] Brave men do the hard thing when the chips are down. Gallant men volunteer to do it again."
• [71:33] Nikki Stratton: "Yeah. He chose to save six men’s lives."

Her commitment positions her as a custodian of gallantry and valor, ensuring that the sacrifices made by her grandfather and his peers remain a source of inspiration for future generations.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring impact of Donald Stratton's bravery and Nikki Stratton's role in honoring his legacy. Mike Rowe and Chuck commend Nikki for her dedication to preserving the memories of the USS Arizona crew, reinforcing the importance of historical remembrance.

• [89:33] Mike Rowe: "This episode is over now. I hope it was worthwhile. Sorry it went on so long, but..."
• [89:50] Mike Rowe: "Your satisfaction in the way that people do Take some time to go online and leave us a review."

Nikki leaves listeners with poignant advice inspired by her grandfather:

• [87:55] Chuck: "But maybe it's not such a sidebar because is a part of this story, too."
• [87:55] Mike Rowe: "Don't do anything you can't do standing up in a hammock."
• [88:10] Mike Rowe: "Don't do anything you wouldn't do standing up in a hammock."

This episode serves as a powerful tribute to the gallant men of the USS Arizona, highlighting personal stories of heroism, resilience, and the importance of preserving history through dedicated individuals like Nikki Stratton.

Notable Quotes

• Mike Rowe [01:19]: "What happened in Pearl harbor on the 7th of December, 1941 is infuriating."
• Nikki Stratton [02:43]: "She is the reason that people will never forget Pearl harbor because she's carrying her grandfather's story on."
• Mike Rowe [69:57]: "Your pop says something about it in here. Brave men do the hard thing when the chips are down. Gallant men volunteer to do it again."
• Nikki Stratton [87:46]: "Don't do anything you can't do standing up in a hammock."
• Mike Rowe [88:10]: "Don't do anything you wouldn't do standing up in a hammock."

Conclusion

Episode 417 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe offers a heartfelt exploration of Donald Stratton's experiences during Pearl Harbor and Nikki Stratton's unwavering commitment to honoring and preserving her grandfather's legacy. Through personal anecdotes, historical insights, and the sharing of meaningful artifacts, the episode underscores the enduring significance of remembering and celebrating the gallantry of those who served.