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World War II
Gave his life
Elmer J. Burr
First Sergeant · U.S. Army
U.S. Army, Company 1, 127th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division
24 December 1942 · Buna, New Guinea
- Branch
- U.S. Army
- Era
- World War II
- Home state
- Wisconsin
- Action
- Buna, New Guinea
The citation
Official citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty. During an attack near Buna, New Guinea, on 24 December 1942, 1st Sergeant. Burr saw an enemy grenade strike near his company commander. Instantly and with heroic self-sacrifice he threw himself upon it, smothering the explosion with his body. 1st Sergeant. Burr thus gave his life in saving that of his commander.
Sources
- U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
- Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.