Robert Elliott Burns

Robert Elliott Burns
Burns at a court hearing
Born(1892-05-10)May 10, 1892
New York City, U.S.[1]
DiedJune 5, 1955(1955-06-05) (aged 63)
East Orange, New Jersey, U.S.[2]
Resting placeBeverly National Cemetery
Notable workI Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang! (1932)
Spouses
Emily Del Pino Pacheco
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​
(m. 1926; div. 1929)​
Clara Cecilia Graykowski
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(m. 1932)​
ChildrenRobert; Frances; Caroline; Suzanna
Military career
Allegiance United States
Service / branch United States Army
Rank Private
Unit14th Engineer Battalion
Battles / wars

Robert Elliott Burns (May 10, 1892 – June 5, 1955) was an American World War I veteran known for escaping from a Georgia chain gang and publishing the memoir, I Am a Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang!, exposing the cruelty and injustice of the chain gang system.[3] His memoir and story was adapted into the similarly titled 1932 Oscar-nominated film I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang, which received nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor for star Paul Muni.

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