Foil: 14 Panel: Retired United Pilots Association Column: 4 Line: 72

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

Benjamin W. Burford landed his first plane in 1961. The plane, a 7AC Champ, belonged to the Flying Indians, a small aviation club at Southeast Missouri State College. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and physics, Ben married his high school sweetheart, Annette "Kay" Brock and joined the U.S. Navy.

He earned his wings in 1964 and was stationed in California at Ream Field. He served as a Seasprite Air Rescue Pilot on the USS Oriskany (CV-34), the USS Midway (CV-41), and the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He served two tours in Vietnam.

In 1967 he joined United Airlines, serving as a commercial pilot on the DC-6, Boeing 737, 727, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft. After twenty years of service, he retired from the Navy in 1982, and retired from United Airlines in 2000. He continues his love of aviation through his daughter, Amanda Burford, a pilot for Mesaba Airlines.