Warner Britton entered the Army Air Forces’ Aviation Cadet Program during World War II, and flew 81 combat missions in the Southwest Pacific area. During his service in the Vietnam War, five Air Force Crosses were awarded in the attempted rescue of American Prisoners of War camp at Son Tay, North Vietnam. Colonel Warner Britton “Apple 1”, Lieutenant Colonel John Allison “Apple 2”, and Major Frederic Donohue “Apple 3” were HH-53 pilots awarded the Air Force Cross. Major Herbert Kalen “Banana 1” carried the lead elements of the assault force into an 85-foot clearing in the center of the camp where he crash landed his 73-foot long HH-3E helicopter. Technical Sergeant LeRoy Wright, a Helicopter Flight Mechanic aboard Major Kalen’s aircraft was the only enlisted airman to receive the Air Force Cross in this mission that also netted 6 Distinguished Service Crosses and 83 Silver Stars. Colonel Britton retired from the Air Force on July 31, 1972.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Air Force Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelBatallion:
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery SquadronRegiment:
3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery GroupDivision:
Son Tay Volunteer Task ForceAction Date:
November 21, 1970
Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-985 (December 15, 1970)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Warner Alexander Britton (AFSN: 0-42368), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as Helicopter Flight Leader aboard an HH-53 Rescue Helicopter of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group, as part of an all-volunteer joint U.S. Army and Air Force raiding force in the Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed heliborne assault mission to rescue United States military personnel held as prisoners of war at Son Tay prison in North Vietnam, on 21 November 1970. On that date, Colonel Britton led a flight of troop-carrying helicopters on a night mission into an extremely hostile environment in the heart of North Vietnam. Although initial conditions following off-loading troops in the objective area were considerably different than planned, he correctly assessed the new circumstances and at risk of life under direct close range ground fire, again landed, picked up a load of troops, and moved them to a new location. His final departure from the objective area was through an intense array of surface-to-air missiles which he evaded with calm, exceptional flying skill. Colonel Britton, without regard for his personal safety, contributed immeasurably to the tactical success of the rescue attempt. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Colonel Britton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelAction Date:
December 10, 1966 – December 1, 1967
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel Warner A. Britton (AFSN: 0-42368), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, Detachment 2, subsequently designated Detachment 1, 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, from 10 December 1966 to 1 December 1967. In this important assignment, the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Britton resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the commitments of the United States in Southeast Asia. His celerity, accuracy, and sound judgment in assessing the fluctuating changes which predominate rescue and recovery operations resulted in the saving of many American lives in Southeast Asia. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Britton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-608 (February 24, 1968)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 Colonel Warner A. Britton (AFSN: 0-42368), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter over North Vietnam on 20 November 1967. On that date, Colonel Britton recovered two United States Air Force pilots downed by hostile fire. Penetrating an overcast in rugged mountainous terrain he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft into position over each survivor where, holding a motionless hover, they could be safely brought on board. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Britton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.