Walter Thomas Broughton, II

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Broughton, Walter Thomas II Age 92; Died - June 24, 2017. He was born at home on 30 May 1925 in Great Falls, South Carolina. Preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Lorraine Karbowski of New Haven, CT. Survived by wife Laura Stepeck and three children, Gail Bienemann of San Jose, CA., Walter T. III, of Minneapolis and David of Anoka, six grandchildren; ten great-grand-children, four step-children and eight step-grandchildren. Walter attended a one-room (four grades), one teacher, rural school through the 4th grade. At age 16, he earned the Boy Scout of America rank of Eagle Scout. He was very proud that both of his sons and three grandsons also earned their Eagle Scout ranks. After one year at Wofford College, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the young age of 17, earned a scholarship to Duke University and in 1944 at Northwestern University was commissioned Ensign at age 19. He served 31 plus years continually on active duty, about one half of that time was sea duty. In WWII, he served in the Pacific and European waters. He also served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal with Gold Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Valor and various campaign medals, some with Bronze Stars. During his career, Captain Broughton was selected and entrusted with commands at sea, in the air and ashore. Major assignments were: Officer in Charge(O-in-C) of all night flying for all future Naval Aviators for one year at Naval Training Command, Pensacola, FL; Plank Owner, USS Newport News, heavy cruiser; Plank Owner, Navigator, USS America, aircraft carrier; Air Operations Officer, Naval Air Force, Atlantic Fleet; Professor and Command Officer of the Naval ROTC, University of Minnesota. He was past president of the Minnesota Chapter of the Military Officers of America. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, June 30 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, One Lourdes Place, Mpls. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation 4:00 - 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 29, with Celebration Service at 6:00 PM at: Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999 2610 19th Ave. N.E., Mpls.

Published on June 27, 2017