With a father like L.N. Stracener, Sr., valedictorian of the 1925 LSU graduating class, the Stracener brothers, William and John, kept family tradition and the tradition of the Ole War Skule alive with their heroic service as pilots in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force.
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Air Force (Ret.)
John Stracener graduated from LSU after four years in ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force in 1956.
Stracener had an active 32-year career in the Air Force and Air National Guard, flying T-33, F100, F-84, C-119 and C-130 aircraft. Most of his flight time was spent with the 7706th Support Squadron, which he described as a “Sneaky Pete” outfit that flew electronic surveillance missions in Germany, Turkey and other European areas. In 1960, he was flying in Turkey during the loss of Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 spy-plane over Russia, an unfortunate situation which created an international incident.
After leaving the Air Force, John Stracener continued his career in the Air National Guard for 10 years, serving with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. He also served with the Air Force Reserve for four years, serving in the 118th TAC Airlift Wing. Now retired, he is active in the Masonic Lodge and dedicated to First Baptist Church, Baton Rouge.
1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army
From his early days at LSU until his death in 2016, Bill Stracener was an accomplished artist. His paintings and portraits are found in many homes and businesses both regionally and internationally. At the beginning of his artistic career, after serving two years in LSU ROTC and graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, reported to San Marcos, Texas and earned his wings.
During the Korean War, Stracener was assigned to the 555th Infantry as an observation pilot, flying the L-19 Bird Dog, similar to a Cessna. His job was “spotter,” guiding the infantry and artillery on the ground. He flew many successful missions until he was shot down by North Korean anti-aircraft fire. He survived but was injured. For his bravery and valor, he received the Bronze Star.
Promoted to first lieutenant, Stracener was discharged after the war and returned to Baton Rouge, where he continued his career as an artist. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church.