Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron

    Action Date:

    June 28, 1951

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Alvin W. Burri (MCSN: 0-48881), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 28 June 1951. Serving as an aerial observer, First Lieutenant Burri volunteered to fly in a small unarmed aircraft in search of a pilot downed in enemy territory. Despite the fact that the area was well beyond normal operating distance of his aircraft, he courageously flew to it and located the pilot. Although his aircraft was hit many times by enemy small arms fire, he with complete disregard for his personal safety, remained in the area until an accompanying helicopter had picked up the pilot and carried him back to friendly lines. First Lieutenant Burri’s efficient actions and fearless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron

    Action Date:

    April 22, 1951

    Heroes U.S. Marine Corps 1861 – 1955 (Jane Blakeney)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Alvin W. Burri (MCSN: 0-48881), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in Korea on 22 April 1951. Serving as an observer with a Marine Observation Squadron, First Lieutenant Burri was flying on a reconnaissance mission over enemy lines, when he located a large enemy force preparing to ambush advancing friendly ground forces. Realizing the danger to the friendly troops, he courageously made a pass over the enemy at an extremely low altitude to mark the position with smoke grenades, although his slow, vulnerable aircraft was immediately subjected to withering enemy anti-aircraft fire, causing extensive damage. In order to insure that the friendly troops were definitely aware of the danger ahead of them, he then flew again through the heavy enemy fire to drop a warning message, pin-pointing the enemy ambush. First Lieutenant Burri’s efficient action and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.