Texas Tech University

Denny Barton Collection (3363) Finding Aid

Collection Item Number: 33630000000
Collection
Denny Barton Collection
Title
Denny Barton Collection (3363) Finding Aid
Finding Aid Date
2023-01-05
Linear Feet
1
Language(s)
English
Dates
Creation: 1959 - 1967
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of approximately one linear foot of materials documenting Lieutenant Dennis Michael Barton's service as a naval aviator and ordnance officer with Attack Squadrons 12, 44, and 46 stationed aboard the USS Forrestal off the coast of Vietnam. The materials include articles and clippings; memos and correspondence; Tailhook Association records; records re: investigation of automobile accident; handouts, flyers, and pamphlets; certificates; newsletters; newspapers; award citations; handbooks; photographs; and artifacts. The materials are dated 1959-1967.
Biographical / Historical
Lieutenant Dennis Michael Barton was born January 15, 1935 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He served in Vietnam as a naval aviator and ordnance officer with Attack Squadrons 12, 44, and 46 stationed aboard the USS Forrestal. Lt. Barton died on July 29, 1967 when a fire broke out aboard the USS Forrestal during operations in the Gulf of Tonkin. His remains were never recovered but he is honored with a memorial marker at Arlington National Cemetary.
1
Newsletters
Forerunner: 1967: May
Click to view all Newsletters
2
Newspapers
The Afterburner: 1963: October 17

Navy Times: 1967: August 23
Click to view all Newspapers
21
Museum Objects
3363museum6190 - Unidentified patch

3363museum6191 - Tailhook Association patch

3363museum6192 - Douglas A-4 Skyhawk decal

3363museum6193 - Douglas A-4 Skyhawk decal

3363museum6194 - National Defense Service medal

3363museum6195 - National Defense Service medal

3363museum6196 - Naval Lieutenant shoulder boards (2)

3363museum6197 - Name badge

3363museum6198 - Name badge

3363museum6199 - Name badge

3363museum6200 - Name badge

3363museum6201 - Sunglasses

3363museum6202 - VA-12 lighter

3363museum6203 - VA-44 lighter

3363museum6204 - Attack Squadron 12 (VA-12) patch

3363museum6205 - Vietnam Campaign medal

3363museum6206 - Vietnam Service medal and Vietnam Campaign medal ribbon bar

3363museum6207 - Navy Commendation medal with ribbon bar and lapel

3363museum6208 - VA-12 plaque

3363museum6209 - VA-44 plaque

3363museum6210 - VA-46 plaque
Click to view all Museum Objects
58
Photographs
2 b&w negative strips and 2 proof sheets - Denny Barton ID photos

6 photographs - Denny Barton (in his quarters, in an aircraft, leaning against car, climbing into aircraft); aircraft in formation; alligator in marsh; b&w, color; 3.5 x 5 inches, 8 x 10 inches

33 photographs and 6 b&w negative strips - aircraft (including damage); unit photos; Denny Barton (roster photo, receiving award, briefing); award ceremonies; b&w; 4 x 5 inches, 5 x 7 inches, 8 x 10 inches

9 photographs - Denny Barton and fellow pilots posing by aircraft; Mayor Hans Gearhart Tanzler Jr. with others at his desk (signed); funeral for victims of USS Forrestal fire; b&w, color; 3.5 x 5 inches, 4 x 5 inches, 8 x 10 inches
Click to view all Photographs
  • Box 1 [TTU - Southwest Collections Building, Stacks [D174.5 ]]
  • Box 1000 [TTU - Southwest Collections Building, [Individual (Oversize) ]]
  • Box 1
  • Folder 1
  • Attack Squadron 12 (VA-12) records (1961-1965)
  • Folder 2
  • Attack Squadron 44 (VA-44) records (1966-1967)
  • Folder 3
  • Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) records (1967)
  • Folder 4
  • Clippings, correspondence, certificates, pamphlets (1959-1967)
  • Folder 5
  • Tailhook Association records (1965)
  • Folder 6
  • Investigation of automobile accident on 21 January 1967
  • Folder 7
  • Information sheets for U.S. Navy dependents (1967, No Date)
  • Folder 8
  • Casualty report, clippings, memos/correspondence, pamphlets (1942, 1959-1967, No Date)
  • Folder 9
  • Correspondence re: Denny Barton's death (July-August 1967)
  • Box 1000
  • Folder 1
  • Clippings re: John F. Kennedy assassination (November 1963)
Perma Link
https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/virtualarchive/items.php?item=33630000000
Citation
Denny Barton Collection (3363) Finding Aid, Denny Barton Collection, Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive, Texas Tech University, https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/virtualarchive/items.php?item=33630000000, Accessed 11 May 2026.
Pub Credit Line
33630000000, Denny Barton Collection, Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive, Texas Tech University
Added: 05 Jan 2023 [Updated: 09 Jan 2023]

Vietnam Center & Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive

© 2026  Texas Tech University© 2026  Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive May 4 2026