Norton
Air Force Base Museum
NAFBM NEWS
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.
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.
An Amazing Find
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES!
A local photographer was looking for some military props for a picture. She went to a yard sale in Riverside with her friend. They discovered a footlocker with the name 1ST LT. LELAND F. NORTON and Service # 0792301. She immediately knew of its importance and donated it to the museum. We checked the service number, and it is his. On the footlocker is printed: EFFECTS. So, we have Norton’s personal footlocker that was returned to his family. We understand the family has moved away from San Bernardino. We are extremely excited to have Norton’s personal footlocker on display at the NAFB Museum.
1st Lt. Leland F. Norton was a heroic pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Born on March 12, 1921, in San Bernardino, California, he tragically lost his life on May 27, 1944, during a bombing mission in France. Norton is remembered for his bravery and dedication, and his legacy lives on through various memorials, including Norton Air Base and the Leland F. Norton Elementary School in his hometown. His actions during the war earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart. The discovery of his footlocker is a poignant reminder of his sacrifice and the enduring impact he has had on his community and country.
Ken Nelson Joins the NAFBM Team
The Norton Air Force Base Museum has some exciting news to share! AC Ken Nelson has stepped up as our new docent. Ken served with the 15th from 1976 to 1980, and he is eager to share his knowledge and experience with the public.
We are also thrilled to announce that we will be acquiring a flight simulator, and Ken will be our flight simulator instructor. This will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience flight simulations that are as close to the real thing.
We are grateful to Ken for volunteering his time and expertise, and we look forward to offering this new experience to our visitors soon.
Norton AFBM In The News
We are thrilled to announce that KCAL News featured a story on the Norton Air Force Base Museum on November 8th, 2024! Reporter Sheeba Turk, learned more about the museum's rich history and incredible exhibits, which showcase its legacy. The segment featuring Norton AFB Museum starts at the 11:34 time stamp. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the stories of the brave men and women who served our nation at Norton AFB.
In The News
Taking a look back, the Norton Air Force Base Museum participated in the Redlands Veterans Day Parade held on November 11, 2022. We had a great turnout and all of our vehicles were running.
The Redlands Hometown Heroes Foundation and the city of Redlands presented the annual Veterans Day Parade, which draws several thousand people each year. Following the parade, veterans, their families and the community gathered at Jennie Davis Park for a celebration honoring members of the military for their service.
NAFB Museum is on display
Breeze Airlines now has daily flights out of the San Bernardino International Airport to San Francisco. To help draw attention to the Norton Museum, the Airport Authority asked the Museum staff to put a display in the terminal. The display is working as the museum has welcomed interested passengers to the museum.
