Bobby Brumfield was born on December 22, 1932, in Tylertown, Mississippi. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on April 8, 1953, and after completing basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in June 1953, he attended jet engine mechanic training at Chanute AFB, Illinois, from June to October 1953. His first assignment was as a jet engine mechanic with the 497th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Geiger Field, Washington, from October 1953 until he left active duty on April 7, 1957. SSgt Brumfield reenlisted in the Air Force on July 5, 1957, and then served as a jet engine mechanic with the 3380th Field Maintenance Squadron at Keesler AFB, Mississippi, from July 1957 to March 1958. His next assignment was with the 493rd Fighter Bomber Squadron at Chaumont AB, France, from April to December 1958, followed by service with the 48th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Chaumont from December 1958 to July 1959. He served with the 401st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at England AFB, Louisiana, from July to November 1959, and then with the 612th Tactical Fighter Squadron at England AFB from November 1959 to February 1960. During this time, SSgt Brumfield deployed with his unit to Aviano AB, Italy, from December 1959 to February 1960. He then returned to the 401st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at England AFB from February 1960 until he left active duty on July 3, 1961. SSgt Brumfield again reenlisted in the Air Force on July 19, 1962, and served as a jet engine mechanic with the 1608th Field Maintenance Squadron at Charleston AFB, South Carolina, from July 1962 to January 1966. His next assignment was with the 441st Field Maintenance Squadron at Yokota AB, Japan, from January to March 1966, followed by service with the 355th Field Maintenance Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from March 1966 to January 1967. TSgt Brumfield served with the 3514th Field Maintenance Squadron at Randolph AFB, Texas, from January 1967 to July 1968, and then with the 374th Field Maintenance Squadron at Naha AB, Okinawa, from July 1968 to November 1969. His next assignment was with the 2nd Field Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, from November 1969 to January 1973, followed by service with the 47th Field Maintenance Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Texas, from January 1973 until his retirement from the Air Force on March 1, 1975.

His Air Force Commendation Medal Citation reads:

Technical Sergeant Bobby B. Brumfield distinguished himself by meritorious service as a Jet Engine Technician, 47th Field Maintenance Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, from 16 January 1973 to 28 February 1975. During this period, Sergeant Brumfield diligently applied his expertise, initiative, knowledge, and resourcefulness to the execution of his responsibilities. His ceaseless efforts resulted in major contributions to the effectiveness of the propulsion systems. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Brumfield culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country, and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.