[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 103 (Thursday, June 18, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE PATRIOTISM AND SERVICE OF JOHN KNOX BURTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2026

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the remarkable patriotism 
and service of John Knox Burton, a decorated Vietnam War veteran who 
resides in Virginia's 9th District.
  In 1968, Mr. Burton made the honorable decision to answer his 
country's call and enlist in the military. He entered the military's 
ranks as a private, but following his stint at Officer Training School, 
he was a First Lieutenant for his deployment to Vietnam. In Vietnam, 
First Lieutenant Burton served as Assistant District Senior Advisor 
with a Republic of Vietnam Unit.
  It was during this time that First Lieutenant Burton trained local 
personnel and helped advise district government officials. His help and 
coordination of joint U.S. and Republic of Vietnam military efforts 
advanced U.S. military objectives.
  As a result of his service, First Lieutenant Burton earned high marks 
from military brass. His evaluating officers considered him to be one 
of the finest officers and commended his performance in combat in 
Vietnam.
  Among the awards of his decorated service, First Lieutenant Burton 
received the National Defense Service Medal, the Sharpshooter Badge, 
the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a 
Bronze Star. The Cross of Gallantry orders highlight Lieutenant 
Burton's brave service ``side by side with his Vietnamese 
counterparts.''
  Virginia's 9th District is proud to be the home of this Vietnam War 
hero. After joining the Virginia Tech community in 1977, Mr. Bulton 
grew as a talented educator. He led numerous courses and initiatives, 
including his work for the Center for Instructional Technology 
Solutions in Industry and Education.
  In recognition of his successful career in education, Virginia Tech 
awarded Mr. Burton the Alumni Award for Excellence in International 
Outreach and later conferred upon him the title of ``Professor 
Emeritus.''
  I join 9th District communities in honoring and celebrating the 
military service of Mr. Burton. His sacrifice to protect American life 
and liberty is to be fiercely commended. I hope that American military 
personnel continue to embody the same courage, values and service that 
Mr. Burton demonstrated to his country.

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