Robert Wiygul Burns was born on December 8, 1916, in Nettleton, Lee County, Mississippi. He was the son of Eliam Baxter Burns and Virginia Mary Wiygul Burns. He was married to Ruth Josephine Blackburn Burns. He graduated from high school in 1933 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State Teachers College in 1938.

Burns began his military service in 1939 with the 7th Reconnaissance Squadron in the Panama Canal Zone. During World War II, he commanded units in the 6th and 74th Bombardment Groups, later becoming deputy commander—and then commander—of the 351st Bombardment Group in England, flying 24 B-17 missions over Europe. After the war, he held training and command roles in the U.S., including as a senior instructor for the Tennessee Air National Guard.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Burns advanced through numerous strategic and operational leadership roles. He served at Air Force Headquarters, advised the Royal Hellenic Air Force in Greece, and held senior posts at McChord AFB and the Air Defense Command. A graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College, he led key commands including the 73rd Air Division, the U.S. MAAG in Pakistan, the 19th and 4th Air Forces, and ultimately served as Chief of Staff for Aerospace Defense Command. He retired in 1970 after over 30 years of distinguished service. He passed away on February 6, 2004, and is now buried in the Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida, USA.

Source of information: www.af.mil/