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This Day in History – June 10, 1969 – The X-15 gets a place in history

10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and

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Burkett, Walter M., Sr.

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  • Burkett, Walter M., Sr.

Walter M. Burkett, Sr.

Preferred Name: Walt
Date of Birth: April 4, 1933
Highest Military Grade: 0-5 – Lieutenant Colonel
Hometown: Vero Beach, FL
Headed West Date: July 13, 2018
Walter M. Burkett, Sr. - now
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West

Walt Burkett flew the F-86 and F-100 with the 492nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron out of Chaumont AB, France from 1956-1959. He later flew the F-105 out of Nellis, and F-4’s out of MacDill, and in Vietnam and Germany.

Units Assigned

  • 1956-59 492nd FBS, Chaumont AB, France (F-86, F-100)
  • 1960-1962 4523rd/4526th CCTS, Nellis AFB, NM (F-100, F-105)
  • 1962-1964 VA-212 (USN)/ Lemoore NAS/ USS Hancock (CVA-19, A-4)
  • 1964-1968 555TFS, MacDill AFB, FL (F-4C/D/E)
  • 1969-1970 559th TFS, Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam (F-4D/E)
  • 1970-1972 23rd TFS/ Spangdahlem AB, Germany (F4D/E)

Awards & Decorations

Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal
Air Medal (5)

Flight Info

T-6
T-33
F-86
F-100
F-105
CVA-19
A-4
F-4 C/D/E

Civilian:
Piper Cub
737
DC-9

Flight Hours: 12,000+

Military & Civilian Education

Military Education:

  • Aviation Cadet/ Class 55P/55S

Civilian Education:

  • BA/ Psychology
  • MS/ Criminology, Florida State University

Walter M. Burkett, Sr. - nowWalter M. Burkett, Sr. (LtCol USAF, Ret) “Headed West” on July 13, 2018

Walter M. Burkett, Sr. (LtCol USAF, Ret) passed on to be with the Lord on July 13, 2018. Walt was a man filled with love, respect, kindness, and joy. He loved God, truth, freedom, genuineness, flying, and fun.

Col. Burkett was born April 4, 1933, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was proud to serve his country in Korea and Vietnam, first on destroyers and submarines in the Navy followed by his service as a USAF Fighter Pilot. Walt flew Piper Super Cubs, T-6 trainers, T-33 jet trainers, F-86 Sabrejets, F-100 Super Sabres, F-105 Thunderchiefs, A-4 Skyhawks, and the F-4 Phantom II.

Col. Burkett completed 120 carrier landings, 40 at night. He was awarded five Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross for exceptional accomplishments in combat. Walt had over 12,000 hours of flying time.

After retiring, Col. Burkett flew an Executive Jet for a Saudi Arabian businessman. This job was followed by piloting Boeing 737s and Douglas DC-9s for Midway Airlines. Walt graduated from Florida State University with a master’s degree in criminology and corrections.

Walt married Dr. Catherine Weber Burkett at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Their marriage was everything and more than they could have imagined in this life. They were deeply grateful.

Walt had a life-long passion for photography, electronics, helping people, learning, reading, and meeting new people on extensive travels. Walt loved to sing. He and Catherine sang for nursing home residents and for the Salvation Army at Christmastime. In addition to many fighter pilot songs, Walt’s favorite songs included It is Well with My Soul, Impossible Dream, The Lord’s Prayer, Oh What a Beautiful Morning, and Amazing Grace.

Both during and after his military career, Walt lived a very unique and special life. His friends from fifty years ago still speak about Walt’s deeply happy nature, the twinkle in his eyes, and a strength of character that made everyone who loved him feel solid and safe.

Walt loved his children, his step-children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He saw many special qualities in each of them.

Walt valued his years at First Baptist Church, especially appreciating the music of Michael Carter and Jill Truax and his friendships with Mark and Patti Denny, Alma Lee Loy, and many others. He found important meaning when listening to both Pastor Joe’s Bible messages and Patti Carter’s Children’s Sermons.

Walt felt blessed to have served as a caregiver for eight years to a fellow Baptist veteran named Bill. Walt also enjoyed his Rotary years and participation in the Honor Flight program.

Col. Burkett is survived by his loving wife, Catherine; his three children, Walter, Jr., Lisa, and Robin; his stepchildren, Cindy, David, and Isaiah; his very special nieces, Jenae, Suzy, and Megan; and terrific grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walt was grateful for every member of his family and for each of his wonderful friends in Vero Beach and in other states and countries.

With the highest respect for the professionalism and genuine caring offered by the Lowther family, Walt’s arrangements have been made by Lowther Funeral Home. It was Walt’s request that there be no visitation, funeral, or memorial service. Walt’s place of burial will be announced at a later time. An online guest book can be signed at lowtherfuneralhome.com.

Source: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tcpalm/obituary.aspx?n=walter-m-burkett&pid=189921775&fhid=10602

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