Emmett B. Burton

Enlisted in the USAAC/USAF in 1939. Assigned to 93rd Bomb Group, Hardwick and Benghazi as co-pilot and later as pilot on B-24. Initial training at Williams Field.

Continued flying after the war: 1,000 hours as B-47 pilot, Chenault AFB, 1952-1961. After training at Carswell in conjunction with General Dynamics, piloted B-58 Hustler, world's fastest bomber, and transferred to Grissom AFB. While at Grissom (1961-1969), member of the 305th Bomb Wing. His last position was chief of standardization at Grissom. Was also instructor pilot for the B-58.

Retired on July 31, 1969 with rank of lieutenant colonel. Received the American Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Foreign Service-American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Military Merit, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Burton died on Dec. 24, 1977 and is buried in the family plot at Rose Hill Cemetery, Owensboro, KY.

From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook

Enlisted in the USAAC, USAF in 1939. Assigned 93rd Bomb Group, Hardwick and Benghazi as co-pilot and later as pilot on B-24. Initial training at Williams Field. Continued flying after the war, 1,000 hours as B-47 pilot, Chenault AFB, 1952-1961. After training at Carswell in conjunction with General Dynamics, piloted B-58 Hustler, world's fastest bomber, and transferred to Grissom AFB. While at Grissom (1961-1969), member of the 305th Bomb Wing. His last position was chief of standardization at Grissom. Was also instructor pilot for the B-58.

Retired on July 31, 1969 with rank of lieutenant colonel. Received the American Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal, EAME Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Foreign Service-American Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Purple Heart, Military Merit, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Married high school sweetheart, Mary Josephine Westerfield, had four children, Robert, Patty, Betty Jo and Glen. Burton died on Dec. 24, 1977 and is buried in the family plot at Rose Hill Cemetery, Owensboro, KY. Because of the inspiration of his father, son Robert took pilot training and received his private license.