One of the greatest rewards of researching the Burma Banshees has been discovering what these remarkable men accomplished after World War II.
Many returned home to become business leaders, engineers, teachers, and community leaders. Every now and then, however, I uncover a story that leaves me genuinely amazed.
That was certainly the case with E.R. “Dutch” McMillin.
Born Elbert Raymond McMillin in North Carolina in 1916, Dutch served as a fighter pilot with the Burma Banshees during World War II, flying combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater. Like so many of his fellow pilots, he faced dangerous missions over some of the most unforgiving terrain of the war.
What happened after the war is what truly surprised me.
I knew Dutch loved music, but I had no idea he would become one of Nashville’s premier session saxophonists during the 1950s.
Long before Boots Randolph became a household name, Dutch McMillin was the saxophonist producers called when they needed the best. While building a successful career as an insurance executive, he was also recording with many of the biggest names in American music.
His saxophone can be heard alongside artists including Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Brenda Lee, Webb Pierce, Chet Atkins, Hank Snow, Marty Robbins, Bobby Bare, Perry Como, Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, and many others. He was also a member of the legendary Owen Bradley Quintet and later became the regular saxophonist with Grady Martin and the Slew Foot Five.
Perhaps most impressive was his ability to adapt. A former fighter pilot who had flown over Burma, Dutch effortlessly transitioned into country, jazz, pop, and the emerging sound of rock and roll, leaving his mark on recordings that are still enjoyed today.
Stories like Dutch’s remind us that the Burma Banshees didn’t simply return home—they went on to live extraordinary lives, often in places and professions no one would have imagined.
While you’re reading about Dutch, take a few minutes to enjoy his beautiful saxophone performance of “Don’t Take Your Love From Me” with Grady Martin and the Slew Foot Five. It’s a wonderful reminder that the same man who once flew combat missions over Burma could later captivate audiences with elegance, warmth, and unmistakable musical talent.
It’s discoveries like this that make exploring the lives of the Burma Banshees so rewarding. Their legacy extends far beyond the cockpit, and Dutch McMillin’s remarkable journey is a perfect example.