Edwin Hess Burba, Jr.
General, U.S. Army

Edwin Hess Burba, Jr. was born on 13 September 1936 in McAlester, OK. (He is one of two four-star generals born in McAlester; the other is Bennie L. Davis, Commander of Strategic Air Command, USAF). He was born to Edwin Hess and Margaret Monk Burba. (His father was a U.S. Army Armor officer who attained the rank of Major General before his death at age 58.)

He attended the U.S. Military Academy and graduated in 1959, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant. He has also earned a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, and is a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses; the Armed Forces Staff College; and the National War College.

Burba served two tours in Vietnam and has commanded at all levels from platoon to major command. His significant assignments include the U.S. Army Infantry School; 7th Infantry Division; Chief of Field Training at the U.S. Air Force Academy; and Commanding General of the Eighth U.S. Army. His final assignment was as Commander-In-Chief of the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) from 1989 to 1993.

He retired from the Army in 1993.

Medals and Awards

Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star Medal
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal with Numeral 13
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Army Service Ribbon
Army Overseas Service Ribbon with Numeral 5
Vietnam Campaign Medal
Army Meritorious Unit Citation
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge
Master Parachutist Badge
Army Staff Identification Badge
Ranger Tab

Honors

He is the 2003 recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award from the Association of Graduates, the U.S. Military Academy alumni association.

In Retirement

After retiring from the military, Burba has worked as a Senior Mentor with the Army's Battle Command Training Program; has sat on the Board of Advisors for the National Infantry Foundation; and served on the Board of Directors of Global Payments, Inc.

Personal

General Burba and his wife Trish have three daughters.