Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Byron T. Burt, Jr., United States Army Air Service, for repeated acts of extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 7th Balloon Company, Balloon Section, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Griscourt, France, August 4 – 11, 1918, near Sommedieue, France, 16 September and near Avocourt, France, 1 October 1918. On each of these occasions, Lieutenant Burt remained with his balloon, making important observations of the enemy’s positions and directing our artillery fire, until his balloon was set on fire by incendiary bullets from enemy aircraft. On one occasion he refused to jump until his companion, a student observer, was safely away.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    Balloon Section

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 4, 1918
    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Air Service) Byron T. Burt, Jr., United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Burt distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving with the 7th Balloon Company, Balloon Section, American Expeditionary Forces, in action in the Saizeras and Marbache Sector, France, 4 August 1918, in immediately re-ascending after having been shot down.