American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Edward Michael Burns, 78, who joined the U.S. Navy in New Brunswick, N.J., in 1966. After Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Ill.,, he was assigned to USS Everglades (AD-24) homeported in Charleston.
He then attended Radarman school back at Great Lakes before reporting to USS Sterett (DLG-31) homeported in Yokosuka, Japan and serving on the line in Vietnam. In 1969 he transferred to USS Orleck (DD-886), also a Yokosuka ship but serving on the coast of Vietnam, where he was naval gunfire support coordinator.
As the Vietnam drawdown began in 1970, he separated as a RA2 (E-5) and returned to New Jersey where he began a 35-year career as a pipefitter. In 2005 he began a job as a building inspector in Charleston and in 2010 he retired and moved to Beaufort.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
