Elmer J. Burr
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| Elmer J. Burr | |
|---|---|
| May 11, 1908 – December 25, 1942 (aged 34) | |
 Elmer J. Burr, Medal of Honor recipient |
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| Place of birth | Neenah, Wisconsin |
| Place of death | Buna, New Guinea |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Elmer J. Burr (May 11, 1908 – December 25, 1942) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.
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[edit] Biography
Burr joined the Army from Menasha, Wisconsin, and by December 24, 1942 was serving as a first sergeant in Company I, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. On that day, in Buna, New Guinea, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him. He died of his wounds the next day. For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor ten months later, on October 11, 1943.
Burr, aged 34 at his death, was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in his birth place of Neenah, Wisconsin.
[edit] Medal of Honor citation
First Sergeant Burr's official Medal of Honor citation reads:
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 Sgt. 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 Sgt. Burr thus gave his life in saving that of his commander.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Elmer J. Burr at Find A Grave Retrieved on 2008-02-22
- Medal of Honor Recipients - World War II (A-F). Medal of Honor Citations. U.S. Army Center of Military History (July 16, 2007). Retrieved on 2008-02-22.
