Naval Academy Register

Lucky Bag

Ted George Burton is listed on the page “Shore Patrol” under this paragraph:

Insomuch as sealegs were not attributes of all of us, there were many delegated to chase the elusive rainbow’s gold on terra firma—hereby follows a roster of the permanent shore patrol.

The Howitzer (West Point Yearbook)

From the 1932 Howitzer:

THEODORE GEORGE BURTON

Baseball (4); Gymnasium (4); Soccer (4); Ring Committee; Fishing Club; Corporal (2); Sergeant (1)

THIS sun-tanned, loyal son of California came to us with a discreetness which was probably due to his previous and premonitory experience as a soldier and midshipman. Ted is willing to indulge in fun; whenever possible and is ready for work whenever necessary. Ever ready to enjoy a good joke, he is seldom without an appropriate and witty retort. “T.G.’s” possibilities as a leader were early recognized when he was called upon to lead his classmates of " G " company during Plebe Christmas. But his easygoing congenial nature, while appreciated by his friends, seems to have detracted from such a position of eminence. In his Yearling year, T.G. revealed a talent for drawing, as evidenced by his position of section marcher of the first section. Although his modesty retarded the popularity of his artistic creations, an increase in enthusiasm and confidence have given Ted’s drawings a large field of admirers. Burton’s ability to adapt himself to any environment and his large amount of practical commonsense insure his success in the future.

Loss

From the Salt Lake Tribune on March 30, 1933:

CHEYENNE, Wyo., March 29 (AP)— Second Lieutenant Theodore G. Burton, attached to the 76th field artillery at Fort Francis E. Warren, died at the post hospital last night from head injuries suffered Monday when his horse stumbled and fell upon him. He had been on duty with the artillery since last August after his graduation from the military academy at West Point.

He is survived by his widow; Mrs. Lucretia Burton; his mother, Mrs. Margaret Burton of Alhambra, Cal.

Born at Alhambra in 1907, Burton enlisted in the photo section of the army and later passed a competitive examination for entrance to West Point.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Theodore graduated from Alhambra High school in 1923. “No really great man ever thought himself so.” Vice President of A. H. S. Rooters Club; Lightweight Basketball, guard.

He enlisted in the Regular Army and was stationed at Luke Field, Hawaii, with the Eleventh Photo Section when he received his appointment to West Point.

At West Point, he ranked in the first half of his class academically and had an outstanding record in athletics.

His widow Lucretia (Gibbs) was a first cousin of Mrs. Charles A. Lindbergh.

His father George was an expressman, mother Margaret. Theodore was survived by three sisters, Mrs. Virginia Quinn, Mrs. Enid Lavers and Mrs. Dorothy Hanchett. Earlier, the family also included sons Adrian and Edward.

He was also survived by his son, who passed away in 2008.

Theodore is buried in Wyoming.

Theodore’s birthday — January 13, 1907 — is from the 1933 Army Register.

Photographs

From his high school yearbook

From his high school yearbook

Memorial Hall Error

Though he is listed in Memorial Hall and the the Naval Academy Register as “Ted,” his first name is Theodore. His rank is given as Second Lieutenant in the listing of his death in the 1934 Army Register. Memorial Hall has “1LT Ted G. Burton;” should be 2LT given that he was commissioned for less than a year at the time of his death.