Media release
OKLAHOMA CITY – World War II Army Air Force veteran Burton Richard Coate, of Perkins, was honored for his bravery of service by Reps. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, and John Talley, R-Stillwater, in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday.
“What a pleasure to be given the opportunity to honor one of our World War II veterans on the House floor,” Wallace said. “Mr. Coate is to be commended for his bravery of service to our nation and for his willingness to sacrifice for our safety and freedom.”
Coate was born in 1924, in Murrayville, IL, the son of Omer and Irene Coate and the brother of Janette Stalling and Alvin Coate. The family moved to Oklahoma where Coate attended schools in the towns of Marland, Salina, Mulhall, and Guthrie, eventually graduating from Putnam City High School in Bethany.
Enlisting in the Army Air Force at age 18, Coate began his service in World War II in July 1943. He attended boot camp in Fort Sill, then trained as an airplane mechanic in Biloxi, Mississippi, and finally attended gunnery school in Harlingen, Texas. Coate attained the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge from the service in 1946.
He is noted for his great bravery in serving on a B-24 and B-29 – one of very few men to be trained as gunner and mechanic on both airplanes in the 489th Bomb Group in England and France. He earned numerous awards for his bravery and sacrifice, including a Good Conduct Medal, a Bronze Star for flying in a war zone bomb group, a World War II Victory Ribbon and an American Theater Ribbon.
“It’s important that we take every opportunity to make sure our veterans like Mr. Coate know they are deeply valued and their service is appreciated,” Talley said. “What better way to thank him for his contribution to our country and to our community.”
Following his military service, Coate became a second-generation watchmaker and graduated college in Weatherford. He later owned his own watch and clock repair business in Perkins.
Coate married Margaret Ann (Henderson) in 1948 in Oklahoma City. The couple have five children: Pat McKay, Carol Elaine Coate, Rita Vogt, Richard Coate and Cathryn Gazaway. They have seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Coate was presented with a citation read on the House floor and with a flag that had been flown over the State Capitol in his honor.
Rep. Kevin Wallace, R-Wellston, represents House District 32 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Lincoln and eastern Logan counties.
Rep. John Talley, R-Stillwater, represents House District 33 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes portions of Payne and Logan counties.
