Leland Francis Norton
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BIRTH: Mar. 12, 1921 San Bernardino, California / DEATH: May 27, 1944, France
Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California was named for native Capt. Leland Francis Norton (1921–1944). On May 27, 1944, while attacking a marshaling yard on his 16th combat mission, Captain Norton stayed at the controls of his A-20 Havoc until his crew had all safely bailed out, per his order. Norton's aircraft was struck by antiaircraft fire and he perished with his Havoc when it went down near St.Sarire. For his heroic actions, Captain Norton was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), the highest Air Force Award, for "self sacrificing regard for the safety of his crew and fellow men bringing great distinction on himself and the Army Air Forces." His portrait hung in the Officers' Club until the base's closing in 1994.
Leland Francis Norton was born March 12, 1921 in San Bernardino. He attended Elliott, Arrowview, San Bernardino High, and Valley College. In the fall of 1941 he joined the Canadian Air Force, before the United States became actively engaged in the World War. In March 1942, he transferred to the U. S. Air Force, and was sent first to Maine, and then to Greenland, where he participated in rescue work. He applied for combat, and was trained during the summer of 1943.
He was originally buried outside of France in the US Military graveyard, but in 1952 his parents went to France and brought him home.
Stater Bros. gives an award called the Leland F. Norton award which is named in honor of the World War II Captain.
PARENTS: Thomas F Norton (1884–1956) Vernice Katherine Hopkins Norton (1895–1993)
BURIAL: Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino, California / PLOT: Lawn K- 709-213