Aquilla Britt was born on November 7, 1934, in Prescott, Arizona. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Air Force on March 14, 1955, and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Reese AFB, Texas, on July 14, 1956. After completing B-47 Stratojet Combat Crew Training, Lt Britt was assigned to the 19th and then the 2nd Bomb Squadron at March AFB, California, from March 1957 to April 1963. He then served with the 99th and then the 1st Bomb Squadron at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, from April 1963 to December 1965. Capt Britt next flew C-141 Starlifter transports with the 75th Military Airlift Squadron at Travis AFB, California, from December 1965 to February 1967. He then completed F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training and was assigned to the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in April 1967. Maj Britt was killed on October 25, 1967, when he was directed to land in bad weather at Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, and his F-105 collided with a C-123 Provider that was on the active runway. He is buried at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, California.

His Air Force Cross Citation reads:

Major Aquilla F. Britt distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as commander of a strike force of twenty F-105 Thunderchiefs against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam on 25 October 1967. Through extremely heavy barrages of surface-to-air missiles and antiaircraft fire, Major Britt, with undaunted determination and indomitable courage, safely guided the strike force on a devastating attack against the primary target. His superb planning, leadership, and gallantry, displayed under intense conditions, were the key factors that led to the destruction of this highly significant military target. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Major Britt reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.