Albert Winter Burton (A.W. or Burton) grew up in Huntsville, Utah. While attending Utah State University, he signed up as part of the Air Corps. He felt he had a better chance at controlling his service than to wait for the draft. He originally trained to be a fighter pilot, but was assigned to the bombers, because there was a greater need. Burton flew the Miami Clipper out of Bassingbourn England, completing 28 missions. He flew some of the most dangerous bombing missions, but was able to bring his crew back every time. Only 2 of his crew were ever injured. He was certain that they had divine help. On one mission they counted over 350 flak and bullet holes in the Clipper. He said there were times the holes in the plane were big enough to walk through.

After completing his tour, he trained new bomber pilots and flew the B-29. Burton also flew the B-17, as part of Operation Crossroads, guiding un-manned drones over the Pacific Ocean. He was part of both atomic bomb tests (Able and Baker) at Bikini Atoll. He maintained a love of flying for his entire 94 years. He owned a 6-passenger Cessna, and maintained his pilot's license into his 70s.

He raised his family in Sugar City, Idaho with his dear wife, Delores. He taught Ag Science as a high school teacher and later at Ricks College, where he developed the Welding Engineering program. He remains a hero to his 5 children, 28 grandchildren, and a growing number of great-grandchildren.



Awards: DFC (OLC), AM (4OLC, WWII Victory, EAME (2 x Battle Stars).