Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Ernest
W.
Burnside
POW (WWII) KIA
October 10, 1919

–

November 25, 1943

Born:

Alexandria

, 

West Virginia

Home:

Centerville

, 

Pennsylvania

Buried: 

Manila

, 

Philippine Islands

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Manila (Wall of the Missing)

Ernest Burnside was captured after his bomber was shot down, and held as a prisoner of war. On November 25, 1943 he, along with 11 other POW’s, were all taken from Rabaul and told they were being taken to another POW camp in Japan. They were, however, all executed in late November or early December, 1943

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Sergeant

    Batallion:

    64th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    43d Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1943
    Headquarters, 5th Air Force, General Orders No. 63 (April 6, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Ernest W. Burnside (ASN: 33082604), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy as a member of the Air Crew of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber in the 64th Bombardment Squadron, 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations Rabaul, New Guinea, on or about 21 May 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Sergeant Burnside, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.