Strait, Donald (Donald J.), 1918-

Donald J. Strait (b. April 28, 1918, East Orange, N.J.), U.S. Air Force officer, enlisted in the New Jersey National Guard in 1940 and received his commission and pilot wings in 1943. He was assigned to the 356th Fighter Group as assistant engineering officer, undertaking all aircraft flight tests. He went to England with the 356th which made its first combat sorties in October 1943 over Holland and northern France. After completing more than 200 combat hours, he was given command of the 361st Fighter Squadron. This ace pilot rejoined the New Jersey Air National Guard after the War, and also served on active duty during the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force in 1978.