Obituary of John Howard Burton

John Howard Burton, US Navy (Retired) of Melbourne, FL. passed away at home with his wife by his side on May 24, 2011 at the age of 93. John Burton was born in Jersey City, NJ on May 17, 1918 to George Elmer Burton and Harriet Linehan. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and received his MBA at George Washington University in 1956. He served 32 years in the United States Navy and achieved the rank of USN Captain. Designated a Naval Aviator in June 1942, he immediately reported to VP-71 in the Pacific flying PBY's. Two successive tours in PB4Y Liberators followed with VB104 and VPB104. The latter squadrons received two Presidential Unit Citations for operations from Guadalcanal, Munda, Leyte and Luzon during the period LT Burton was aboard. While serving as patrol plane commander, LT Burton was awarded 3 distinguished Flying Crosses and 4 Air Medals for shooting down 3 Japanese aircraft and destroying or damaging 20 Japanese ships. Distinguishable medals include the Asiatic-Pacific with 7 battle stars, Philippine Liberation with 1 star, 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 1 Meritorious Service Medal, American Campaign, American Defense Service Medal, WW2 Victory Medal, and a Legion of Merit Medal. He also was awarded the prestigious National Aeronautics Association Frank G. Brewer Trophy in 1952. Post World War II assignments included Flight Deck Officer aboard the USS Saipan (CVL-48); Air Events Officer with the Chief of the Information; Post graduate training at George Washington University; Operations Officer with VA (HM) 13; Executive Officer with VP26; Commanding Officer with VP11; Executive Officer aboard the USS Duxbury Bay (AVP-38); Assistant Chief of Staff Commander Fleet Air Wings Atlantic; Comptroller for Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (AIR); Commanding Officer of USS Rushmore (LDS-14); Commander of Fleet Air Wing Eleven, and Deputy Comptroller Naval Air Systems Command. In addition, John Burton was a member of the Military Officers Association of America, and he loved golfing and traveling with his wife Sara Burton. He is preceded by his first wife Alma Burton, his brother George Burton and sister Vivian. He is survived by his loving wife Sara C. Burton of 13 years. He is also survived by their five children: Kathleen M. Burton of Mountain View, CA, Linda L. White of Santa Rosa, CA, Melissa Pheterson of Boynton Beach, FL, John H. Burton Jr. of Bend, OR, Marc D. Burton of San Jose, CA, and stepsons John and Michael. He was a very loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather and will be dearly missed. Memorial service will be held on June 24th at 11 am at Good Samaritan Catholic Church, 543 National City Blvd, National City, CA. Committal services will follow at 2 pm at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.