Stanley Karl Burghardt

Colonel Stanley Karl Burghardt
USAFA Class of 1959

A LEGACY OF SERVICE AND CHARACTER
Stanley Karl "Stan" Burghardt, known to his classmates as “Burgie,” was born in Gowryzlowa, Poland, and entered the United States Air Force Academy from Westbury, New York. As a member of the Class of 1959, he was part of the pioneering group of cadets who established the traditions of the Air Force Academy at Lowry AFB before moving to the permanent site in Colorado Springs. He helped lay the foundation for the "Long Blue Line," embodying the ideals that would define his thirty-year military career. His 1959 Polaris yearbook entry proved prophetic: “His high ideals, his ability and his fine character will make him a credit to the Air Force throughout a long and honorable career.”

MILITARY CAREER AND SERVICE
Stan graduated and was commissioned in June 1959, embarking on a path that saw him master the complexities of Cold War aviation and reconnaissance.
• Pilot and Navigator Training: Stan began his journey at Malden Air Base for Pilot Training (1959) followed by Navigator Training at Mather AFB (1959–1960).
• Operational Excellence: From 1961 to 1965, he served as a Navigator with the 334th Bomb Squadron at Biggs AFB, flying the B-52 during the height of the Strategic Air Command’s nuclear deterrence missions. Here he was designated a Combat Ready Member (CRM).
• International Exchange: Stan was selected for the prestigious Intermediate Service School at the RAF College of Air Warfare in Manby, UK (1965–1967), strengthening international ties and honing his expertise in tactical operations.
• Tactical Reconnaissance: His return to operational flying saw him stationed at Bergstrom AFB with the 14th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, followed by an overseas tour at RAF Woodbridge, UK, with the 114th TRS and 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

DECORATIONS AND AWARDS

Colonel Burghardt was a highly decorated officer whose bravery and technical skill in the cockpit were recognized with numerous high-level awards:
• Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
• Meritorious Service Medal (1)
• Air Medal (11)

POST-MILITARY LIFE
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Stan transitioned his leadership and project management skills to the private sector. In 1996, he served as a Project Manager for Rockwell in Anaheim, California, contributing to the aerospace industry that he had served in uniform for decades.

FAMILY AND REMEMBRANCE
Stan's greatest legacy remains his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, and their seven children: Michael, David, Barbara, Kathy, William, Marianne, and Matthew. He will be remembered by his classmates and family as a man of steadfast integrity, a "Forever First" pioneer who truly was a credit to the Air Force.