Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Burton
Elmo
McKenzie
, Jr.
February 13, 1946

–

Home:

Sioux City

, 

Iowa

Burton McKenzie graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1969. He retired in 1991 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    56th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    February 20, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Burton Elmo McKenzie, Jr. (AFSN: FR-3197064), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an O-1 Forward Air Controller of the 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 20 February 1972. On this date, Lieutenant McKenzie flew his aircraft under adverse conditions through intensive ground fire in support of free world forces. He continuously flew passes through heavy and accurate anti-aircraft and small arms fire to accurately mark the target, causing heavy damages against the opposing hostile forces’ positions and targets. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant McKenzie has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    56th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    March 12, 1972

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Burton Elmo McKenzie, Jr. (AFSN: FR-3197064), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-1 Forward Air Controller of the 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 12 March 1972. On this date, Lieutenant McKenzie flew his aircraft under adverse conditions through intensive ground fire in support of free world forces. He continuously flew passes through heavy and accurate antiaircraft and small arms fire to accurately mark the target, causing heavy damages against the opposing hostile forces’ positions and targets. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant McKenzie reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    56th Special Operations Wing

    Division:

    Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    December 23, 1971

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Burton Elmo McKenzie, Jr. (AFSN: FR-3197064), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an O-1 Forward Air Controller of the 56th Special Operations Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action in Southeast Asia on 23 December 1971. On that date, flying under adverse conditions and over extremely hazardous terrain, Lieutenant McKenzie maintained his aircraft in the area to direct allied tactical air against dangerous hostile forces positions and targets. Through his personal bravery and energetic application of his knowledge and skill he significantly furthered the goal of the United States in Southeast Asia. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant McKenzie reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.