View of Logan Field in Boston Massachusetts taken by the Expedition Two crew from the International Space Station ISS Alpha. (NASA Courtesy Photo)
BOSTON (TNS)— U.S. military aircraft were spotted landing at Boston Logan International Airport on Friday ahead of a funeral for a “true American hero” who spent more than six years in captivity during the Vietnam War.
Captain Richard Stratton, a Vietnam War Navy veteran from Quincy, died in mid-January. He was 93. Before his funeral on Saturday, military aircraft were arriving at Boston Logan, and Gov. Maura Healey issued a citation in memory of Stratton.
An interment flag was also flown over the State House this week.
“It is an honor to deliver this citation and interment flag to the family of Captain Stratton in recognition of his remarkable life and service to our nation,” Healey said in a statement. “A proud Quincy native, Captain Stratton valiantly served in the Vietnam War and persisted through more than six years of captivity.
“His service didn’t end there – he came home to help other soldiers and civilians suffering from trauma and addiction as a social worker,” the governor added. “We are in awe of his bravery, his resilience, and his deep compassion for others. He is a true American hero, and our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and community.”
Stratton served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, spent years at the Catholic Seminary of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and graduated from Georgetown University.
He joined the U.S. Navy Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1957, while also being assigned to Stanford University and earning a master’s degree in international relations.
He was deployed to Southeast Asia with CVW-19 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga in 1966 until he was shot down and forced to eject over North Vietnam. He was taken as a Prisoner of War on Jan. 5, 1967, and spent 2,251 days in captivity, “enduring inhumane treatment including torture,” his obituary reads.
He was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973, and later awarded the Silver Star for Valor, Purple Heart, and P.O.W. medal among many other military decorations and awards.
When he returned home, he continued to hold various positions and commands across the country.
After his retirement from the Navy, he practiced as a clinical social worker, specializing in psychological trauma and addictions, served as President of NAM-POWs, and was the Chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Prisoners of War.
“He stayed active in many veteran organizations ensuring their voices continued to be heard and their legacies honored,” his obituary reads.
He’s survived by his wife Alice, three sons, six granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral mass in Quincy’s Sacred Heart Church will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Burial with full military honors will take place in Mt. Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy. ©2025 MediaNews Group, Inc.
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