Rest in peace my brother.    George Collier USMC 58-61

I met the Skipper in 1966 in Vietnam. He was my platoon commander.   2nd platoon, Delta company.   I was 18 at the time and did not know much.  He got us through Khe Shan alive,  l don’t know how he did it.   We lived like animals, had two showers in 6 months, wore same clothes for six months and ate c rations for 6 months, slept under ponchos on top of c ration cardboard and survived the monsoons.
We had so much respect for the man , we would have followed him anywhere.
Had to be the finest Marine I ever met.
Sadly lost touch when they put us on the 1/3 Landing team in Vietnam.   Even though I never had much contact other then a phone call to him back in 2012.  I will never forget the finest Marine I ever met.
Semper Fi Ron
Corporal Dan Sweeney
1st Battalion 3rd Marines, Delta Co. 1966-1967


I never had the pleasure of meeting Capt. Burton in person, but I have worked with his son Eric for many years, and have enjoyed the stories, art, and memories that he shared so fondly about his dad.  

We all hope to leave our families after living a full life filled with positive impact and a strong legacy.  To that end, Capt. Burton should rest in peace with incredible pride, as Eric is one of the best leaders and human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing.  Capt. Burton's legacy is so strong through Eric and his family, and I feel very lucky to know the Burton family.  

I'm not a Marine, but as a veteran myself, I have nothing but the utmost respect for all who served.  There's a part of the West Point alma mater that embodies Capt Burton..........

.......And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, "Well done"
Be thou at peace."

Tom Karinshak

To Ron and Eric and Kelly and the entire Burton Family:

A Gaelic blessing
May the road rise gently at your feet; 
May the sun shine warmly upon your face; 
May the wind be always at your back; 
May the rain fall softly upon your fields. 
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. 
Bruce and Cristi Shanahan

I arrived  in Vietnam in December 1966.  I had been assigned to 1st Bn 3rd Marines, as a replacement. The battalion was then located at Khe Sanh, and Ron, who commanded the 2nd Platoon of Delta Company, would be my first platoon commander. 

When I first met him I thought he was 10 feet tall. He wore his .45 cal pistol slung low over his right hip like a western movie gunslinger, and a soft cover. When he spoke it was the familiar growl of a drill instructor, which he had been at MCRD San Diego.

But, unlike an actor, he was the real deal. He was a Marine through and through. Ron led from the front, he spent as much time on patrol as any Marine in the platoon, and took care of his Marines.

Sir, it was an honor to know and serve with you. Vaya con Dios Marine.



Burton Family, 
Our condolences for your loss!! Your father was a mentor to me and I looked forward to calling him to  administer my Oath of Re-Enlistment, he would read every word with a smile on his face and give me the biggest hug when it was all said and done!  What an honor it was to have one of the last True Marines swear me in for another enlistment! Your dad will be missed!

Semper fidelis Captain Burton,
The Angell’s

To the wonderful, loving members of Captain Ronald "Mustang" Burton's, (U.S. Marine Corps,1952-1974) family, please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences. Ron was SPECIAL and he will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him, especially the Marines he served with who ADMIRED him! 1955-1959, Ron was stationed at the Marine Barracks, 8th & I Streets, S.E., Washington, DC (the oldest, active post in the Corps); he was assigned to the Barracks Detachment / Ceremonial Guard Company , 2nd & 4th Platoons (both were Silent Drill Platoons). www.8thandi.com   In September 1958, he proudly served as President Eisenhower's Orderly aboard the USS Mitchner at Newport, RI. Ron was also a Vietnam veteran, Delta 1/3, 1966-1967. Rest in peace with Jean, Ron! Well done, Marine! ... John T. Reim, 8th & I, Silent Drill Platoon, 1958-1961.

Sgt.  Ron R. Burton along with 1st Lt. Arthur L. Stewart, recruited me for duty at 8th & I when I was at Camp Geiger in December 1958. Subsequently, after 4 months of training, I was selected to be a member of the Silent Drill Team and then becoming the 3rd Squad leader.  they both epitomized being a Marine Role Model.  Ron was our Platoon Sergeant until he was transferred to another duty station.  Due to his example, I tried being the Marine he would have expected of me and held others to his example.  I am very saddened by his passing, but will forever member him for being the excellent Role Model of a Marine and Man.  Rest in Peace Marine.
Semper Fidelis,
Charlie
Charles Huha, 8th & I Silent Drill Team, 1959-1961

OBITUARY

Ronald Regis Burton

January 23, 1935 – May 28, 2023

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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