Lieutenant Colonel Brittingham was a veteran of World War II, serving in England with the 9th Bomber Group (Heavy). During the Korean War, he was a member of Headquarters, Air Research and Development Command. On 25 March 1953, he was landing his aircraft at Friendship Airport, Baltimore, Maryland when it crashed killing all three on board.

For his leadership and valor, Lieutenant Colonel Brittingham was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, World War II Victory Medal and others.