William Richard Burn
Captain, U.S. Army

William Richard Burn was born on 25 May 1914 in Leadville, CO, the son of William Pedrick and Sophie Marie Nicholson Burn.

During World War II, on 12 January 1943, then-First Lieutenant William Richard Burn was serving with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the South Pacific Area.

On that day, 1LT Burn's unit was in action against Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. 1LT Burn led a small group in an assault to obtain a foothold on an enemy-occupied hill position that was of extreme importance to the success of operations in the area. In the assault, 1LT Burn was wounded when a bullet passed through his helmet and hit his ear. Despite his wound, he continued leading the assault and personally killed several of the enemy. The leadership displayed by 1LT Burn was an inspiration to his men and greatly contributed to the success of this important mission. 1LT Burn's courageous actions and extraordinary heroism earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

In the Korean War, now-Captain Burn was still serving with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was Killed in Action while fighting the enemy in South Korea on 27 April 1951.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge with Star (Second Award)

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to William R. Burn (0-402201), First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 12 January 1943, at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Lieutenant Burn led a small group in an assault to obtain a foothold on an enemy occupied hill position. A foothold on this hill was of extreme importance to the success of operations in this area. Early in the action Lieutenant Burn was slightly wounded by a bullet which passed through his helmet and hit his ear. In spite of this wound he continued to lead the assault and personally accounted for several of the enemy. The courage displayed by Lieutenant Burn was an inspiration to his men and thus greatly contributed to the successful accomplishment of this important mission. His intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 25th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 83 (April 8, 1943)

Burial

Captain William Richard Burn is buried at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, UT.

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