William Burns

William prodly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Boxer. 


USS Boxer (CV/CVA/CVS-21, LPH-4) was one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers of the United States Navy, and the fifth ship to be named for HMS Boxer. She was launched on 14 December 1944 and christened by the daughter of a US Senator from Louisiana.

Commissioned too late to see any combat in World War II, Boxer spent much of her career in the Pacific Ocean seeing 10 tours in the western Pacific. Her initial duties involved mostly training and exercises, including launching the first carrier-based jet aircraft, but demobilization prevented much activity in the late 1940s. At the outbreak of the Korean War, she was used as an aircraft transport before arriving off Korean waters as the third U.S. carrier to join the force. She supported the Inchon landings and subsequent invasion of North Korea, and was among the ships that provided support during the Chinese counteroffensive against an under-prepared and spread out United Nations (UN) force. She saw three subsequent combat tours in Korea conducting close air support and strategic bombing in support of UN ground troops fighting along the 38th parallel, as the battles lines had largely solidified by this time. She was awarded eight battle stars for her service in Korea


William Arthur Burns of Willow Grove passed away Saturday, June 18, 2011, at his home. He was 81.

He married his beloved wife, Dolores E. Hiltebeitel Burns, of 61 years, June 3, 1950. Born Feb. 7, 1930, in Greenville, Maine, he was the son of the late Fred and Rachel Warman Burns.

He was the loving father of Bruce Burns (Cindy) of Gray Court, S.C., David Burns (Carolyn) of Coplay, Pa., Arthur Burns of Willow Grove, Philip Burns (Deanna) of Hatboro, and Peter Burns of East Greenville, Pa.; brother of Harry Burns, June Perry and Evelyn Curry, all of Maine; grandfather of ten; and great-grandfather of six. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.


Bill's beloved wife, Dolores E. Hiltebeitel Burns, of 61 years.

Bill with 2 of his five sons Phillip center and Pete left in 1980. Also pictured Bills two best friends Margie and Merle Sally..

Bill with friends Merle and Margie Sally in Florida in the 1990's. 

Bill and Doloris on vacation in Maine.