Col. Edward L. Burnham, USAFR (Ret.)

August 29, 2019 – November 17, 2016

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Edward “Ed” L. Burnham of Loch Lloyd, Kansas City, MO, left formation on 17 November 2016 at age 97. Ed was a 334th co-pilot. He passed away peacefully at the Northcare Hospice and Palliative Care Unit.

Ed was born on 29 August 1919 in North Windham, CT, the son of John and Emma (Griggs) Burnham. His obituary states that “he is predeceased by brothers Charles Tallman and Stowell L. Burnham. He is survived by brothers John (Helen) and Herbert (Anna) Burnham of North Windham, CT, and also by many nieces and nephews. Edward attended the Windham school system and graduated from Windham High School. He attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, and graduated in 1940. He worked at the Willimantic Lumber and Coal Co. until he took employment with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 1946, Edward joined VFW Post 1724 Willimantic. In 1961, he was named Quartermaster of the Department of Connecticut. In 1967, he moved to Kansas City joining the VFW National Headquarters Staff. He served two years as National Membership Director and 10 years as Director of Youth Activities and the Voice of Democracy Program. He was appointed Assistant Adjutant General in 1979 until his retirement. 

“Edward enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October of 1942. After pilot training, he was a B-17 Flying Fortress co-pilot in the 8th Air Force for 35 missions in the European Theatre. All nine members of his B-17 crew have predeceased him. After World War II, he remained in the Reserve Program until his retirement in 1974 with the rank of Colonel from the United States Air Force. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, and Four Battle Stars for participation in the European Air Offensive. 

“After his retirement from the VFW, Edward began running. He competed in many 5K and 10k runs. He trained for a marathon and went on to complete 143. He completed marathons in each state of the Union and also in many foreign countries. Edward was a four-term member of the Windham Board of Education, serving as Chairman seven years, and a long-time Treasurer of the North Windham Volunteer Fire Department. Most recently, he was presented the French Legion of Honor for his World War II service.

Amid such a busy life, Ed never married.