This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Britton, Warner Alexander, Col USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Liberal, Kansas
Last Address Mobile, Alabama
Date of Passing Jun 10, 2005
Location of Interment Pine Crest Cemetery - Mobile, Alabama
He served in many air rescue units and flew combat rescue missions in WWII and Vietnam.
His AF Cross citation: Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
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 A. 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.
General Orders: Department of the Air Force, Special Orders GB-985 (December 15, 1970)
1967-1969, HH-53 Sikorsky (Super Jolly Green Giant)
From Year 1967
To Year 1969
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
HH-53 Sikorsky (Super Jolly Green Giant) Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
General characteristics
* Crew: 2 pilots, 1 or more crew chiefs * Capacity: 37 troops (55 in alternate configuration) or 24 stretchers * Length: 88 ft 6 in (26.97 m) * Rotor diameter: 72 ft 2.7 in (22.01 m) * Height: 24 ft 11 in (7.6 m) * Empty weight: 23,628 lb (10,740 kg) * Loaded weight: 33,500 lb (15,227 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 42,000 lb (19,100 kg) * Powerplant: 2� General Electric T64-GE-413 turboshafts, 3,925 shp (2,927 kW) each * Width (overall): 28 ft 4 in (8.64 m) * Width (fuselage): 15 ft 6 in (4.7 m) * Rotor systems: 6 blades on main rotor
Performance
* Maximum speed: 170 knots (196 mph, 315 km/h) * Cruise speed: 150 kt (173 mph, 278 km/h) * Range: 540 nmi (1,000 km) * Service ceiling 16,750 ft (5,106 m) * Rate of climb: 2,460 ft/min (750 m/min)
Armament
* Two Door Mounted XM218 .50 BMG machine guns. Some have RMWS (Ramp Mounted Weapon System) GAU-21 .50 BMG machine gun.