THE WALL OF FACES

Ted and I were in the same OCS company. Rest In Peace Buddy

I went to grade school and high school with Ted. He was a good guy.

I didn't know Ted Burton, but I did a report on him for history. He was a good man with lots of skill and determination. Ted joined the Army after dropping out of Duke University in his junior year, and he attended SPringfield High School in Springfield, PA before that. He became a member of the 9th Infantry where he reached the rank of 1st LT. He was in Vietnam for only two months before he died. He died on account of trying to save another man's life during an ambush. He took a bullet to the head and died instantly. A website I went to had a story about him (www.angelfire.com/ny2/SGTFATS/) It said that riht before he died he was talking about his 2 month year old baby and how he was excited to be a new father. He couldn't wait to see his baby. Although it is a shame that he had to lose his life, at least his final thoughts were about the ones he loved. He received three awards that I know of from the war. The Silver Star, Bronze Star Medal, adn Purple Heart. I am deeply sorry to all who knew Ted Burton. He must have been a great person to be around and i wish his child could have know that he/she had an incredibly brave father.

Ted received the Bronze Star Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster for leaving defensive position, disregarding his own safety, braving the hail of rounds, moving across open terrain, to pull a wounded comrade to safety. He then further exposed himself to enemy fire to adjust artillery support which enabled his element to put the enemy to rout.

He also received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam.

Ted also received the Silver Star for distinguishing himself by valorous actions on 26 April 1969 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Long An Province. After his platoon came under intense hostile fire, he courageously left a secure position to move across a bullet swept area and administer aid to a wounded member of his element. Upon reaching the man, he began to administer treatment, but was mortally wounded.

Ted had a wonderful sense of humor. We belonged to a ski club together and spent many weekends skiing, canoeing, square dancing and having great fun with our friends. I was a first year teacher when I heard Ted had been killed and still feel a sadness today; never being able to say goodbye. He was a good friend.