103rd Cactus Division

Born in Knox County, KY on Oct. 12, 1904, Walter joined the Army and was

discharged from the service prior to WWII.  After Pearl Harbor, while farming

in Kentucky, he was notified that his experience was again needed to train troops. 

He was re-inducted on May 20, 1942.  He then reported to Camp Claiborne and

was cadre to the 103d Division as of its activation date of Nov. 15, 1942. 

SSGT Burnett was then assigned to 409^th, B-Company where he was referred

to as “Pop” because he was twice the age (38) of most of his trainees.

Pop led the 3^rd platoon from Claiborne to Camp Howze where he was promoted to

TSGT on Feb.18, 1944.  When it was time for the 103d to deploy to the ETO, Walter

was given the option to remain stateside and continue as cadre.  He chose to deploy

with his men.

On board the USS Monticello, Pop was reduced to the grade of private to,

“allow a younger, more physically active man to be in charge during combat”. 

This was not uncommon.

Pop Burnett was killed instantly by tank shrapnel in Selestat, France in the early

morning hours of Dec. 2, 1944 at the age of 40.  He was temporarily interred at

Hochfelden, France military cemetery until his remains were returned to his home

in Kentucky.  Pop now rests in honor at the Burnett-Thompson Family

Cemetery in Clay County, Kentucky.