Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Robert
Whitney
Burns
1908

–

September 5, 1964

Born:

Stanley

, 

Wisconsin

Home:

Stanley

, 

Wisconsin

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1964 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and died at Lackland Air Force Base a few days after retirement.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1963 – 1964
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB275 (1964)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) (Posthumously) to Lieutenant General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, culminating as Commander, Air Training Command, from 1963 to 1964. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Burns culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 51 (June 20, 1955)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force from 1953 to 1955. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    1961 – 1963
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB240 (1964), Corrected by G.O. No. GB-273 (1964)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Chairman, Inter-American Defense Board, Washington, D.C.; with concurrent duty as Senior Air Force Member, Military Staff Committee, United Nations, from 1961 to 1963. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Robert Whitney Burns (AFSN: 527A), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Burns and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.