Melvin Stratton received a flag from the Logan County Commissioners in a ceremony Thursday afternoon. The flag, flown over the Logan County Courthouse during the month of April, was presented to Stratton as part of a program that honors Logan County citizens for their service and leadership.
Stratton, currently a resident of Zanesfield, served on active duty in the United States Army from 1965 until 1967 and was officially discharged in 1971. He said he never expected to be honored for his service, but this was a pleasant surprise:
Stratton’s Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was a 4.2mm Mortar gunner, though once in Vietnam, he never engaged in that service. “They asked if anyone could type,” Stratton recalled. “I raised my hand because I took typing. When I reported, they said they didn’t need any typists, but needed men to unload trucks. So, I figured, ‘I can do that.’ So I did.”
When sent back to the US from Vietnam, he went to Fort Bragg, South Carolina, where he received airborne training. He concluded his service at Fort Bragg.
While in the service, Stratton received the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also received training in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Threat Protection.
Stratton was accompanied by his wife of 59 years Nancy Stratton, son Kevin Stratton, daughter Melissa and Matt Straker, granddaughter Makenna Straker, sister-in-law Annadelle Blum, and Darrin and Kim Rees.
