Archives
Obituaries for May 17, 2006
BRATTON, JR.
Col. Jack Bratton passed away on May 9, 2006. He was born in Union City, Tennessee, on March 5, 1920, the son of Andrew Jackson (Pa) Bratton and Annie Ruth Moore (Boo) Bratton. Along with his sister, the late Jane Bratton Kallenberg, he grew up on the Bratton farm west of Union City. His grandfather, Sam Bratton, a prominent Tennessee lawman, politician and landowner, was an important influence on Jack's early life. Jack attended Union City schools and Murray State Teachers College in Kentucky, where he was an outstanding football player.
He was a member of Company K, Tennessee National Guard when he entered Army Air Corps pilot training in 1940. This commenced a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, which saw military aviation grow from fabric-covered bi-planes with open cockpits to supersonic jet aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear weapons. In 1941, Col. Bratton married the late Nancy Abbott Bratton with whom he had two children. Son, Andy Bratton of Plano, Texas, served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war, and is now retired from the computer business. Daughter, Ann George is a career educator in Escondido, California, and the mother of Jack's grandson, Dave Goss.
During World War II, Jack was assigned to the 5th Air Force in Australia and New Guinea. He flew B-24 heavy bombers against enemy targets in the South Pacific. He became one of the youngest Squadron Commanders in the Army Air Corps in 1943. For his actions during a single-plane mission against heavily defended Japanese positions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II, Jack served as Director of Training in B-24s and B-29s at various bases before being assigned to the Pentagon as a Deputy Chief of Technical Training in 1947. He completed the Air Command and Staff College in 1950. As one of the first officers to check out in the B-47, the Air Force's first jet bomber, he served as a Group Commander. He then served as Deputy Base Commander, Goose AFB, Labrador, supporting Strategic Air Command and Air Defense Command missions in the early stages of the Cold War.
Col. Bratton returned to B-47s in 1955 as a Deputy Wing Commander and Base Commander at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana. In one of his most challenging assignments, Col. Bratton served as Wing Commander of SAC's famed 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He commanded the wing and flew the U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed to gather intelligence. The wing's accomplishments are cited as extremely instrumental in resolving the Cuban missile crisis.
Jack then served on the staff of the Commanding General, 2nd Air Force, at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. His positions included Director of Material and Inspector General for 2nd AF. In his final assignment, he commanded the 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, flying B-52s. The 379th earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. At his retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit and became only the fifth officer to receive the coveted Strategic Air Command Award. He was a command pilot with over 6000 flight hours. In 1969, Jack married Lucille Lassiter Burdick Bratton who survives him at Air Force Village, San Antonio, Texas, along with his stepson Clem Burdick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and stepdaughter Becky McLaughlin of Marble Falls, Texas. They lived in Marble Falls, Blanco, and Rockport, Texas, while traveling extensively in their motor home. They have fond memories of trips in the continental US, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.
During their retirement they maintained contact with many Air Force friends and developed many new friendships. They have particularly enjoyed their extended families including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack had a lifelong interest in agriculture and was managing family farms in Tennessee at the time of death. He also retained strong bonds to West Tennessee, continuing to visit there all his life. Col. Bratton enjoyed travel, current events, hunting, and fishing. He was active in Masonry as a Shriner, and also enjoyed being a Jester. Jack was a life member of the American Legion, a Rotarian, and a Toastmaster. He was a Christian who supported his home church in Union City, Tennessee, and was a member of the High Flight Chapel congregation at Air Force Village.
Reverend Al Hockaday officiated. There was a private interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a remembrance to the Air Force Village Development, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78245-3535, or to a charity of choice.
Obituaries for May 17, 2006
BRATTON, JR.
Col. Jack Bratton passed away on May 9, 2006. He was born in Union City, Tennessee, on March 5, 1920, the son of Andrew Jackson (Pa) Bratton and Annie Ruth Moore (Boo) Bratton. Along with his sister, the late Jane Bratton Kallenberg, he grew up on the Bratton farm west of Union City. His grandfather, Sam Bratton, a prominent Tennessee lawman, politician and landowner, was an important influence on Jack's early life. Jack attended Union City schools and Murray State Teachers College in Kentucky, where he was an outstanding football player.
He was a member of Company K, Tennessee National Guard when he entered Army Air Corps pilot training in 1940. This commenced a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, which saw military aviation grow from fabric-covered bi-planes with open cockpits to supersonic jet aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear weapons. In 1941, Col. Bratton married the late Nancy Abbott Bratton with whom he had two children. Son, Andy Bratton of Plano, Texas, served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war, and is now retired from the computer business. Daughter, Ann George is a career educator in Escondido, California, and the mother of Jack's grandson, Dave Goss.
During World War II, Jack was assigned to the 5th Air Force in Australia and New Guinea. He flew B-24 heavy bombers against enemy targets in the South Pacific. He became one of the youngest Squadron Commanders in the Army Air Corps in 1943. For his actions during a single-plane mission against heavily defended Japanese positions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II, Jack served as Director of Training in B-24s and B-29s at various bases before being assigned to the Pentagon as a Deputy Chief of Technical Training in 1947. He completed the Air Command and Staff College in 1950. As one of the first officers to check out in the B-47, the Air Force's first jet bomber, he served as a Group Commander. He then served as Deputy Base Commander, Goose AFB, Labrador, supporting Strategic Air Command and Air Defense Command missions in the early stages of the Cold War.
Col. Bratton returned to B-47s in 1955 as a Deputy Wing Commander and Base Commander at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana. In one of his most challenging assignments, Col. Bratton served as Wing Commander of SAC's famed 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He commanded the wing and flew the U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed to gather intelligence. The wing's accomplishments are cited as extremely instrumental in resolving the Cuban missile crisis.
Jack then served on the staff of the Commanding General, 2nd Air Force, at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. His positions included Director of Material and Inspector General for 2nd AF. In his final assignment, he commanded the 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, flying B-52s. The 379th earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. At his retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit and became only the fifth officer to receive the coveted Strategic Air Command Award. He was a command pilot with over 6000 flight hours. In 1969, Jack married Lucille Lassiter Burdick Bratton who survives him at Air Force Village, San Antonio, Texas, along with his stepson Clem Burdick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and stepdaughter Becky McLaughlin of Marble Falls, Texas. They lived in Marble Falls, Blanco, and Rockport, Texas, while traveling extensively in their motor home. They have fond memories of trips in the continental US, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.
During their retirement they maintained contact with many Air Force friends and developed many new friendships. They have particularly enjoyed their extended families including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack had a lifelong interest in agriculture and was managing family farms in Tennessee at the time of death. He also retained strong bonds to West Tennessee, continuing to visit there all his life. Col. Bratton enjoyed travel, current events, hunting, and fishing. He was active in Masonry as a Shriner, and also enjoyed being a Jester. Jack was a life member of the American Legion, a Rotarian, and a Toastmaster. He was a Christian who supported his home church in Union City, Tennessee, and was a member of the High Flight Chapel congregation at Air Force Village.
Reverend Al Hockaday officiated. There was a private interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a remembrance to the Air Force Village Development, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78245-3535, or to a charity of choice.
Archives
Obituaries for May 17, 2006
BRATTON, JR.
Col. Jack Bratton passed away on May 9, 2006. He was born in Union City, Tennessee, on March 5, 1920, the son of Andrew Jackson (Pa) Bratton and Annie Ruth Moore (Boo) Bratton. Along with his sister, the late Jane Bratton Kallenberg, he grew up on the Bratton farm west of Union City. His grandfather, Sam Bratton, a prominent Tennessee lawman, politician and landowner, was an important influence on Jack's early life. Jack attended Union City schools and Murray State Teachers College in Kentucky, where he was an outstanding football player.
He was a member of Company K, Tennessee National Guard when he entered Army Air Corps pilot training in 1940. This commenced a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, which saw military aviation grow from fabric-covered bi-planes with open cockpits to supersonic jet aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear weapons. In 1941, Col. Bratton married the late Nancy Abbott Bratton with whom he had two children. Son, Andy Bratton of Plano, Texas, served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war, and is now retired from the computer business. Daughter, Ann George is a career educator in Escondido, California, and the mother of Jack's grandson, Dave Goss.
During World War II, Jack was assigned to the 5th Air Force in Australia and New Guinea. He flew B-24 heavy bombers against enemy targets in the South Pacific. He became one of the youngest Squadron Commanders in the Army Air Corps in 1943. For his actions during a single-plane mission against heavily defended Japanese positions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II, Jack served as Director of Training in B-24s and B-29s at various bases before being assigned to the Pentagon as a Deputy Chief of Technical Training in 1947. He completed the Air Command and Staff College in 1950. As one of the first officers to check out in the B-47, the Air Force's first jet bomber, he served as a Group Commander. He then served as Deputy Base Commander, Goose AFB, Labrador, supporting Strategic Air Command and Air Defense Command missions in the early stages of the Cold War.
Col. Bratton returned to B-47s in 1955 as a Deputy Wing Commander and Base Commander at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana. In one of his most challenging assignments, Col. Bratton served as Wing Commander of SAC's famed 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He commanded the wing and flew the U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed to gather intelligence. The wing's accomplishments are cited as extremely instrumental in resolving the Cuban missile crisis.
Jack then served on the staff of the Commanding General, 2nd Air Force, at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. His positions included Director of Material and Inspector General for 2nd AF. In his final assignment, he commanded the 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, flying B-52s. The 379th earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. At his retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit and became only the fifth officer to receive the coveted Strategic Air Command Award. He was a command pilot with over 6000 flight hours. In 1969, Jack married Lucille Lassiter Burdick Bratton who survives him at Air Force Village, San Antonio, Texas, along with his stepson Clem Burdick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and stepdaughter Becky McLaughlin of Marble Falls, Texas. They lived in Marble Falls, Blanco, and Rockport, Texas, while traveling extensively in their motor home. They have fond memories of trips in the continental US, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.
During their retirement they maintained contact with many Air Force friends and developed many new friendships. They have particularly enjoyed their extended families including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack had a lifelong interest in agriculture and was managing family farms in Tennessee at the time of death. He also retained strong bonds to West Tennessee, continuing to visit there all his life. Col. Bratton enjoyed travel, current events, hunting, and fishing. He was active in Masonry as a Shriner, and also enjoyed being a Jester. Jack was a life member of the American Legion, a Rotarian, and a Toastmaster. He was a Christian who supported his home church in Union City, Tennessee, and was a member of the High Flight Chapel congregation at Air Force Village.
Reverend Al Hockaday officiated. There was a private interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a remembrance to the Air Force Village Development, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78245-3535, or to a charity of choice.
Obituaries for May 17, 2006
BRATTON, JR.
Col. Jack Bratton passed away on May 9, 2006. He was born in Union City, Tennessee, on March 5, 1920, the son of Andrew Jackson (Pa) Bratton and Annie Ruth Moore (Boo) Bratton. Along with his sister, the late Jane Bratton Kallenberg, he grew up on the Bratton farm west of Union City. His grandfather, Sam Bratton, a prominent Tennessee lawman, politician and landowner, was an important influence on Jack's early life. Jack attended Union City schools and Murray State Teachers College in Kentucky, where he was an outstanding football player.
He was a member of Company K, Tennessee National Guard when he entered Army Air Corps pilot training in 1940. This commenced a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, which saw military aviation grow from fabric-covered bi-planes with open cockpits to supersonic jet aircraft, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear weapons. In 1941, Col. Bratton married the late Nancy Abbott Bratton with whom he had two children. Son, Andy Bratton of Plano, Texas, served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam war, and is now retired from the computer business. Daughter, Ann George is a career educator in Escondido, California, and the mother of Jack's grandson, Dave Goss.
During World War II, Jack was assigned to the 5th Air Force in Australia and New Guinea. He flew B-24 heavy bombers against enemy targets in the South Pacific. He became one of the youngest Squadron Commanders in the Army Air Corps in 1943. For his actions during a single-plane mission against heavily defended Japanese positions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Following World War II, Jack served as Director of Training in B-24s and B-29s at various bases before being assigned to the Pentagon as a Deputy Chief of Technical Training in 1947. He completed the Air Command and Staff College in 1950. As one of the first officers to check out in the B-47, the Air Force's first jet bomber, he served as a Group Commander. He then served as Deputy Base Commander, Goose AFB, Labrador, supporting Strategic Air Command and Air Defense Command missions in the early stages of the Cold War.
Col. Bratton returned to B-47s in 1955 as a Deputy Wing Commander and Base Commander at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana. In one of his most challenging assignments, Col. Bratton served as Wing Commander of SAC's famed 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. He commanded the wing and flew the U-2, a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft designed to gather intelligence. The wing's accomplishments are cited as extremely instrumental in resolving the Cuban missile crisis.
Jack then served on the staff of the Commanding General, 2nd Air Force, at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. His positions included Director of Material and Inspector General for 2nd AF. In his final assignment, he commanded the 379th Bomb Wing, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, flying B-52s. The 379th earned the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. At his retirement he was awarded the Legion of Merit and became only the fifth officer to receive the coveted Strategic Air Command Award. He was a command pilot with over 6000 flight hours. In 1969, Jack married Lucille Lassiter Burdick Bratton who survives him at Air Force Village, San Antonio, Texas, along with his stepson Clem Burdick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and stepdaughter Becky McLaughlin of Marble Falls, Texas. They lived in Marble Falls, Blanco, and Rockport, Texas, while traveling extensively in their motor home. They have fond memories of trips in the continental US, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico.
During their retirement they maintained contact with many Air Force friends and developed many new friendships. They have particularly enjoyed their extended families including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jack had a lifelong interest in agriculture and was managing family farms in Tennessee at the time of death. He also retained strong bonds to West Tennessee, continuing to visit there all his life. Col. Bratton enjoyed travel, current events, hunting, and fishing. He was active in Masonry as a Shriner, and also enjoyed being a Jester. Jack was a life member of the American Legion, a Rotarian, and a Toastmaster. He was a Christian who supported his home church in Union City, Tennessee, and was a member of the High Flight Chapel congregation at Air Force Village.
Reverend Al Hockaday officiated. There was a private interment in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a remembrance to the Air Force Village Development, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78245-3535, or to a charity of choice.
Gravesite Details
Col, US Air Force, WW II, Korea, Vietnam
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