"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."
From S/Sgt. Herbert H. Burr's Medal of Honor citation, awarded August 30, 1945.
Thank you for your service and my you be at peace,
Brian
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