World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from US President Harry S. Truman on August 23, 1945 in the East Room of the White House (along with 27 other World War II recipients), Washington DC, for his actions as a Private First Class in Company C, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, US Army, on March 19, 1945, near Dorrmoschel, Germany during the final stages of World War II in Europe. He was born September 13, 1920 in St. Joseph, Missouri and died in Independence, Missouri at the age of 69. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he also received the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "He displayed conspicuous gallantry during action when the tank in which he was bow gunner was hit by an enemy rocket, which severely wounded the platoon sergeant and forced the remainder of the crew to abandon the vehicle. Deafened, but otherwise unhurt, S/Sgt. Burr immediately climbed into the driver's seat and continued on the mission of entering the town to reconnoiter road conditions. As he rounded a turn he encountered an 88-mm. antitank gun at pointblank range. Realizing that he had no crew, no one to man the tank's guns, he heroically chose to disregard his personal safety in a direct charge on the German weapon. At considerable speed he headed straight for the loaded gun, which was fully manned by enemy troops who had only to pull the lanyard to send a shell into his vehicle. So unexpected and daring was his assault that he was able to drive his tank completely over the gun, demolishing it and causing its crew to flee in confusion. He then skillfully sideswiped a large truck, overturned it, and wheeling his lumbering vehicle, returned to his company. When medical personnel who had been summoned to treat the wounded sergeant could not locate him, the valiant soldier ran through a hail of sniper fire to direct them to his stricken comrade. The bold, fearless determination of S/Sgt. Burr, his skill and courageous devotion to duty, resulted in the completion of his mission in the face of seemingly impossible odds."
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from US President Harry S. Truman on August 23, 1945 in the East Room of the White House (along with 27 other World War II recipients), Washington DC, for his actions as a Private First Class in Company C, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, US Army, on March 19, 1945, near Dorrmoschel, Germany during the final stages of World War II in Europe. He was born September 13, 1920 in St. Joseph, Missouri and died in Independence, Missouri at the age of 69. In addition to the Medal of Honor, he also received the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the American Campaign Medal. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "He displayed conspicuous gallantry during action when the tank in which he was bow gunner was hit by an enemy rocket, which severely wounded the platoon sergeant and forced the remainder of the crew to abandon the vehicle. Deafened, but otherwise unhurt, S/Sgt. Burr immediately climbed into the driver's seat and continued on the mission of entering the town to reconnoiter road conditions. As he rounded a turn he encountered an 88-mm. antitank gun at pointblank range. Realizing that he had no crew, no one to man the tank's guns, he heroically chose to disregard his personal safety in a direct charge on the German weapon. At considerable speed he headed straight for the loaded gun, which was fully manned by enemy troops who had only to pull the lanyard to send a shell into his vehicle. So unexpected and daring was his assault that he was able to drive his tank completely over the gun, demolishing it and causing its crew to flee in confusion. He then skillfully sideswiped a large truck, overturned it, and wheeling his lumbering vehicle, returned to his company. When medical personnel who had been summoned to treat the wounded sergeant could not locate him, the valiant soldier ran through a hail of sniper fire to direct them to his stricken comrade. The bold, fearless determination of S/Sgt. Burr, his skill and courageous devotion to duty, resulted in the completion of his mission in the face of seemingly impossible odds."
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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