Elmer J. Burr

He shielded his company commander from a live enemy grenade.

Elmer J. Burr was born in Neenah, Wisconsin, on 11 May 1908. He served in the U.S. Army as first sergeant of Company I, 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division during World War II.

A graduate of Menasha High School, Burr had served in the Wisconsin National Guard for twelve years before federal mobilization in October 1940. He was discharged in 1941 under the age-limit policy then in force. After the attack on Pearl Harbor he rejoined his unit and deployed with the division to the southwest Pacific. His experience made him one of the older soldiers serving among the men of the 127th Infantry.

During an attack near Buna, New Guinea, on 24 December 1942, Burr saw an enemy grenade land near his company commander. He immediately threw himself onto it, absorbing the explosion with his body. The act saved the officer's life and cost Burr his own.

Burr received the Medal of Honor posthumously for this sacrifice. His award was accredited to Menasha, Wisconsin. His widow, Lucille, received the medal at a ceremony in Menasha on 11 November 1943.

He is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. His citation preserves the moment in the Buna fighting when a first sergeant placed himself between a grenade and his commander.

Medal of Honor 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 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.