Skip to content

Today in History – June 26, 1969 – Capt John Howard Casper ejects from F-100D #553516

26 June 1969 – Capt John Casper was serving with the 413th TFS out of Phan Rang AB, Vietnam. On a mission to detect VietCong...

Read More
Join The SSS Manage Your Dues or
Update Your Bio Create a New Bio or
  • Home
  • History
    • About The SSS
    • Headed West
    • Biographies
    • Today in F-100 History
    • SSS Caterpillar
    • Wall of Honor
    • Unit Patches & Other F-100-Associated Imagery
    • F-100 Information
    • Friends of the Super Sabre
    • N. American F-100 Super Sabre
  • Galleries
  • The Intake
    • About The Intake: Journal
    • The Intake: Journal of the Super Sabre Society – Archives
  • Member’s
  • What’s New
  • Contact
  • Log In
  • Help Me Login
Menu
  • Home
  • History
    • About The SSS
    • Headed West
    • Biographies
    • Today in F-100 History
    • SSS Caterpillar
    • Wall of Honor
    • Unit Patches & Other F-100-Associated Imagery
    • F-100 Information
    • Friends of the Super Sabre
    • N. American F-100 Super Sabre
  • Galleries
  • The Intake
    • About The Intake: Journal
    • The Intake: Journal of the Super Sabre Society – Archives
  • Member’s
  • What’s New
  • Contact
  • Log In
  • Help Me Login

Burkett, Walter M., Sr.

  • Home
  • Biography
  • Biographies
  • Burkett, Walter M., Sr.

Walter M. Burkett, Sr.

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

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.

Headed West

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

Pilot Information

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

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

Our Mission

The mission of the Super Sabre Society is to preserve the history of the F-100 Super Sabre and the men who flew the aircraft.

Follow Us

Copyright © 2022 Super Sabre Society
Website by: Heart and Soul Web Design
Scroll to Top