My intent was to do an oral interview with him and came close to arranging it several times at his home in Fullerton, but one thing or another kept me from it...something I greatly regret as much of the detailed history of Tallmantz went with him when he passed away. His passing was a great loss to his family and friends, but it also was the passing of a quiet aviation pioneer.
Here is Mr. Burtt with Tallmantz pilots Frank Pine and Odell Burton and two Tallmantz B-25s on an operational mission.
And here is copied the online obituary for Wayne E. Burtt found here: https://www.mcaulaywallace.com/obituary/wayne-burtt
Wayne Edmund Burtt passed away peacefully September 4, 2021 only days after celebrating his 101st birthday. Born in Alameda, California on August 30,1920, he was raised on a farm in Twin Falls, Idaho with his parents William and Stella Burtt. He developed an interest in mechanics and aircraft at a young age and, after graduating from high school, he left the family farm and traveled to Southern California to work in the aircraft industry prior to World War II. He served in the U. S. Army Air Corp as a Sergeant and was stationed in England, France, Belgium and Holland. He was awarded the Battle Star for the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to California after the war and married Mildred in Long Beach, his wife of 75 years. They moved to Fullerton in 1959 where they raised their three sons Richard, Randall, and Gregory. He spent his career with Tallmantz Aviation, at John Wayne Airport as a flight engineer for a company that did stunt flying for the movie industry. This allowed him to travel the US and the world as part of the flight crew. He had a mechanic’s skill and could fix anything. In retirement, he and his wife, Mildred, traveled the world and when at home in Fullerton, volunteered their time. He was a member of the YMCA, the Lions, and a deacon in the First Presbyterian Church. Whether it was someone in the Fullerton community, or a dog or a cat, Wayne and his wife always opened their hearts and home for those in need. Many have been blessed with their kindness. Wayne was loved and respected by all who knew him and although blessed with a long life, he will forever be missed by his wife, his three sons, seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and all who have known him. The family wishes to express their thanks to the staff at Emerald Court Assisted Living, Legacy Hospice and his caregiver, Monica.
RIP Mr. Wayne E. Burtt
