Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Korean War - U.S. Army

Tony K Burris

Details
  • Rank: Sergeant First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment,
    2d Infantry Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: October 8, 1951
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Mundung-ni, Korea
Citation
Sfc. Burris, a member of Company L, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty. On 8 October, when his company encountered intense fire from an entrenched hostile force, Sfc. Burris charged forward alone, throwing grenades into the position and destroying approximately 15 of the enemy. On the following day, spearheading a renewed assault on enemy positions on the next ridge, he was wounded by machine-gun fire but continued the assault, reaching the crest of the ridge ahead of his unit and sustaining a second wound. Calling for a 57-mm recoilless-rifle team, he deliberately exposed himself to draw hostile fire and reveal the enemy position. The enemy machine-gun emplacement was destroyed. The company then moved forward and prepared to assault other positions on the ridgeline. Sfc. Burris, refusing evacuation and submitting only to emergency treatment, joined the unit in its renewed attack but fire from hostile emplacement halted the advance. Sfc. Burris rose to his feet, charged forward and destroyed the first emplacement with its heavy machine gun and crew of six men. Moving out to the next emplacement, and throwing his last grenade, which destroyed this position, he fell mortally wounded by enemy fire. Inspired by his consummate gallantry, his comrades renewed a spirited assault which overran enemy positions and secured Hill 605, a strategic position in the battle for "Heartbreak Ridge." Sfc. Burris' indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding heroism, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest glory upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient Tony K. Burris
Medal of Honor Recipient Tony K. Burris
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Blanchard, McClain County, Oklahoma
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: August 14, 1952
    The Pentagon, presented by Gen. Omar N. Bradley to his Mother
  • Born: May 30, 1929, Blanchard, McClain County, OK, United States
  • Died: October 9, 1951, Korea
  • Buried: Blanchard Cemetery (MH), Blanchard, OK, United States
 

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