BURR, ELMER J. - Medal of Honor Recipient

Rank and organization:   First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company 1, 127th Infantry, 32d Infantry Division.

Place and date:   Buna, New Guinea, 24 December 1942.

Entered service at:   Menasha, Wis.

Birth:   Neenah, Wis.

G.O. No.: 66, 11 Oct. 1943.

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.