Norton Air Force Base
Museum
Celebrating the Birthday of Captain Leland Francis Norton
Born March 12, 1921 — San Bernardino, California
On March 12, the Norton Air Force Base Museum proudly celebrates the birthday of Captain Leland Francis Norton, the namesake of Norton Air Force Base and one of San Bernardino’s most enduring symbols of courage and sacrifice.
🌟 A Son of San Bernardino
Leland Francis Norton was born on March 12, 1921, to Thomas F. Norton and Vernice Katherine Hopkins. He grew up in San Bernardino, attending Elliott Elementary, Arrowview Junior High, and San Bernardino High School before continuing his education at San Bernardino Valley College.
His early life reflected the values of service, community, and determination—qualities that would later define his military career.
✈️ A Call to Serve
In 1941, as global conflict intensified, Norton left college to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, later transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942. He served in Maine and Greenland before training for combat operations in 1943.
By 1944, he had risen to Deputy Commander of the 640th Bombardment Squadron, flying the A‑20 Havoc in missions over occupied France.
🕊️ A Hero’s Final Mission
On May 27, 1944, during his 16th combat mission, Captain Norton’s aircraft was struck by German anti‑aircraft fire. Despite being mortally wounded, he remained at the controls long enough for his crew to escape—an act of selfless bravery that cost him his life but saved others.
For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
Captain Norton was originally buried overseas, but in 1952, his parents brought him home to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino.
🛩️ A Legacy That Lives On
In 1950, San Bernardino Army Air Field was renamed Norton Air Force Base in his honor—a lasting tribute to a local hero whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
For more than four decades, Norton AFB played a vital role in America’s airlift and logistics missions, and today the Norton Air Force Base Museum preserves that history while honoring the man whose name the base proudly carries.
For his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart.
Captain Norton was originally buried overseas, but in 1952, his parents brought him home to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino.
🛩️ A Legacy That Lives On
In 1950, San Bernardino Army Air Field was renamed Norton Air Force Base in his honor—a lasting tribute to a local hero whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations.
For more than four decades, Norton AFB played a vital role in America’s airlift and logistics missions, and today the Norton Air Force Base Museum preserves that history while honoring the man whose name the base proudly carries.
History of
Norton Air Force Base
Norton Air Force Base (1942–1994) was a United States Air Force facility located in San Bernardino, California, in San Bernardino County.
For the majority of its operational lifetime, Norton was a logistics depot and heavy-lift transport facility for a variety of military aircraft, equipment, and supplies as part of Air Materiel/Air Force Logistics Command (1946–1966), then as part of Military Airlift/Air Mobility Command (1966–1994).
Honoring Colonel Marjorie “Charlene” Merrill, USAF (Ret.)
A Life of Service and Compassion
Colonel Marjorie “Charlene” Merrill, USAF (Ret.)
A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Compassion
June 27, 1935 – February 8, 2026
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Col. Marjorie “Charlene” Merrill, USAF (Ret.), who left us on February 8, 2026, in San Bernardino, surrounded by her loving family.
Colonel Marjorie “Charlene” Merrill devoted her life to caring for others—first as a nurse, then as a pioneering officer in the United States Air Force. Her career spanned three decades of service marked by professionalism, courage, and a steadfast commitment to the Airmen under her care.
Born in Sheridan, Indiana, Charlene pursued nursing at Ball State University and Anderson University, entering the Air Force at a time when few women served in senior leadership roles. Her skill, discipline, and compassion quickly distinguished her, leading to assignments at Gunter AFB, Brooks AFB, and ultimately Norton Air Force Base, where she became a respected and beloved figure.
During the Vietnam War, Charlene served along the East Coast, providing medical support to wounded and ill service members returning from overseas. Later, she joined the Air Force’s aeromedical evacuation mission, caring for injured personnel in flight—work that demanded both clinical expertise and extraordinary emotional strength.
Charlene’s leadership reached its height during the Gulf War, when she became the first female full‑colonel in the Air Force Reserve, commanding a squadron of 300 personnel. Her achievement marked a milestone not only for her own career but for the generations of women who would follow her into military service.
Throughout her life, Charlene remained grounded in her faith and dedicated to her community. She cherished her family, her church, and the friendships she formed during her years at Norton AFB. Her legacy endures in the countless lives she touched through her care, mentorship, and example.
In recognition of her deep connection to Norton Air Force Base, the family invites memorial contributions to the Norton Air Force Base Museum, honoring her lifelong commitment to service.
Service Information
- Interment with Military Honors:
Following the service at Riverside National Cemetery
Her full obituary may be found here:
Army Bomber Crashes in San Bernardino
By Nick Cataldo
Here is my local history column for the San Bernardino Sun (part of the Southern California News Group) that appeared on May 27, 2025.
San Bernardino neighborhood was the site of a tragic plane crash in 1943
The Army bomber crash killed all three aboard
World War II, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, had a huge impact on the lives of so many.
And for many, including Inland Empire residents, many soldiers never made it back home.
Norton AFBM Bench Dedication
On Saturday, April 19th, at 1300 hours, the 57th Alumni Association proudly dedicated its thirteenth commemorative bench at the Norton Air Force Base Museum. This bench serves as a heartfelt tribute to the brave individuals who flew, maintained, and supported the iconic C-141 Starlifter aircraft, a cornerstone of military airlift operations for decades.
The dedication ceremony took place at the museum, located in the Norton Regional Event Center (formerly the NCO Club) in San Bernardino, California. The museum itself is dedicated to preserving the rich history of Norton Air Force Base and its contributions to the U.S. Air Force.
Representing the 57th Alumni Association at this special event was Lew Shedd, CMSgt (Ret), who played a pivotal role in honoring the legacy of the C-141 and the countless individuals who contributed to its success. The association's motto, "Keeping it Alive," underscores their commitment to ensuring the memory of the C-141 Starlifter and its crew remains vibrant and celebrated.
This dedication is part of a broader initiative by the 57th Alumni Association to place granite benches at various locations, including museums and sites with static C-141 displays. These benches symbolize the enduring legacy of the aircraft and the people who made its missions possible.
If you're ever in the San Bernardino area, the Norton Air Force Base Museum is a wonderful place to visit and learn more about the history of the base and the aircraft that played a vital role in military operations.
New Display Banners
The Norton Air Force Base Museum has recently enhanced the visual appeal of its exterior by installing three eye-catching banners on the fence surrounding the museum. These banners are bound to grab the attention of any passerby. The first banner features the C-141 Starlifter of ACFT 177, a majestic aircraft that once played a vital role in the US Air Force's strategic airlift missions. The second banner displays the C-141 Starlifter Camouflage, a version of the aircraft that was used during the Gulf War to transport troops and supplies. Finally, there's the B2 Stealth Bomber banner, a rare and highly advanced aircraft that's considered to be among the most technologically advanced in the world. These banners are a testament to the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the US Air Force and are a must-see for anyone visiting the area.