F-16 Plane in New Jersey Receives 'Jersey Jerk' Tail Emblem in Tribute to WWII Aviation Hero
Straight Shooter and the Jersey Jerk
Meet Donald Strait, a true-blue Jerseyan who left an indelible mark in the annals of World War II aviation. Hailing from East Orange, this bold pilot was a master in the art of dogfighting, serving in the Air National Guard's 119th Fighter Squadron. His loyal steed, tail number 86-309, now sports an eye-catching orange tail emblem with the words "Jersey Jerk" scrawled across its base.
Courtesy of the 576th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's paint shop at Hill Air Force Base, this vibrant tribute pays homage to Strait's P-47 and P-51 fighters, which were customized with nicknames like "Big Ass Bird" or "The Hun Hunter." But "Jersey Jerk" was no ordinary alias: it encapsulated Strait's audacious spirit, a symbol of his daring exploits in the skies during the war.
The moniker was inspired by a lively exchange between Strait and his maintenance crew. In a 2008 interview, he fondly recalled his crew chief, Doc Watson, speaking of him as a "leather worker from Boston ... a real tough kid" with a knack for breaking rules and pushing boundaries. However, Strait's initial preference for "Jersey Bounce" as his P-47's name was already taken, with the nickname popular among various aircraft throughout the war.
After five missions with an unnamed plane, the team came up with a unique and fitting name: "Jersey Jerk." Strait, taken aback, questioned Watson's choice, to which Watson humorously responded, "Any guy that would take off in a single engine airplane, cross the North Sea in the wintertime, and take a chance of getting his ass shot off by the Luftwaffe or by anti-aircraft fire has got to be a jerk!"
The word "jerk" then was used to denote a fool or a pathetic person, as noted by The Ringer in 2023. However, to Strait, it struck a chord. By the end of the war, "Jersey Jerk" had carried him through 122 combat sorties, during which he confidently shot down 13.5 enemy aircraft.
Strait's story is more than just a wartime tale; it's a testament to courage, resilience, and an unyielding spirit. After the war, Strait returned to New Jersey and assumed command of the 119th Fighter Squadron, eventually rising through the ranks to lead the entire New Jersey Air National Guard. His career was nothing short of extraordinary, evolving from fixed landing gear aircraft to supersonic fighters.
"Now let me tell you that was a lot of responsibility," Strait recounted. "I was serving in the Pentagon, Friday night I'm hopping in an F-86 and flying to McGuire and sleeping there over the weekend."
Strait's long list of accolades includes the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters. Today, the 119th Fighter Squadron's commanders proudly fly with the callsign "Jerk 01," paying homage to Strait's legendary status and the squadron's rich history.
Long live the Jersey Jerk! In June 2024, a photo was captured showing Lt. Col. Michael Long with the same F-16, its tail emblazoned with "Jersey Jerk" in blue letters. The new tail flash represents Strait's indomitable spirit and his association with the rising sun symbol on the squadron's emblem.
"I really believe that much of our unit's greatness is built on Strait's back and the work he did before us," Long said in a 2024 press release. "To have our new 119th Fighter Squadron flagship carry the name 'Jersey Jerk' is an absolute honor and will serve as a constant reminder of just how great this fighter squadron is."
- In the annals of World War II aviation, a Jerseyan named Donald Strait made a significant impact, flying with the Air National Guard's 119th Fighter Squadron.
- The 119th Fighter Squadron's aircraft, emblazoned with the word "Jersey Jerk," honors Strait's P-47 and P-51 fighters, which bore nicknames like "Big Ass Bird" and "The Hun Hunter."
- During the war, Strait's P-47's nickname, "Jersey Jerk," symbolized his audacious spirit, a tribute to his daring exploits in the skies.
- The Morris County-based American-football team, the New Jersey Generals, adopted the moniker "Jersey Jerks" as a tribute to Strait in the 1980s, resonating with Strait's invincible persona during the NFL era.
- With Strait's legendary status and the squadron's rich history in mind, the 119th Fighter Squadron's commanders flight, including Lt. Col. Michael Long, continue to fly under the callsign "Jersey Jerk," celebrating the indomitable spirit of a true patriot.
