Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Sergeant First Class

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    October 8 & 9, 1951

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 84 (September 5, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Tony Kenneth Burris (ASN: RA-18313674), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Mundung-ni, Korea, on 8 and 9 October 1951. On 8 October, when his company encountered intense fire from an entrenched hostile force, Sergeant First Class Burris charged forward alone, throwing grenades into the position and destroying approximately 15 of the enemy. On the following day, spearheading a renewed assault on enemy positions on the next ridge, he was wounded by machinegun fire but continued the assault, reaching the crest of the ridge ahead of his unit and sustaining a second wound. Calling for a 57-mm. recoilless rifle team, he deliberately exposed himself to draw hostile fire and reveal the enemy position. The enemy machinegun emplacement was destroyed. The company then moved forward and prepared to assault other positions on the ridge line. Sergeant First Class Burris, refusing evacuation and submitting only to emergency treatment, joined the unit in its renewed attack but fire from hostile emplacement halted the advance. Sergeant First Class Burris rose to his feet, charged forward and destroyed the first emplacement with its heavy machinegun and crew of six men. Moving out to the next emplacement, and throwing his last grenade which destroyed this position, he fell mortally wounded by enemy fire. Inspired by his consummate gallantry, his comrades renewed a spirited assault which overran enemy positions and secured Hill 605, a strategic position in the battle for “Heartbreak Ridge,” Sergeant First Class Burris’ indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding heroism, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest glory upon himself, the infantry and the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 30, 1951

    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 596 (October 11, 1951), Amended by GO 108 (February 25, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Tony Kenneth Burris (ASN: RA-18313674), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 30 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date during an attack on enemy positions, two platoons of Company L were pinned down by intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire from well built bunkers. Corporal Burris, with utter disregard for his own safety, crept forward to the enemy machine gun emplacement and threw several grenades into the bunker. At the sound of the grenade burst, Corporal Burris made his way forward into the enemy bunker and singlehandedly destroyed the remaining foe. Then standing on the top of the bunker, with enemy fire all about him, he called for the men in his platoon to advance. Corporal Burris’ courageous actions so inspired the men that they overran the enemy positions. The gallantry in action demonstrated by Corporal Burris on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.