Navy Federal Credit Union

(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 Major (Chaplain’s Corps) Dudley Holcomb Burr, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Chaplain with Headquarters, 169th Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, in action during the Munda Campaign in the South Pacific Theater of Operations, during July and August 1943. On 17 July, the 1st Battalion, 169th Infantry Regiment was isolated on a hill in the New Georgia jungle. A major Japanese force was gathering for an assault. Water was very scarce and machine gun ammunition was very low, and efforts to get supplies had failed as darkness approached. Back at Headquarters, Chaplain Burr heard of the battalion’s needs and enlisted a volunteer carrying party and during the day, led them up the Munda trail, evading Japanese trail blocks. Nearing dusk, the shout of friendly troops was heard and a dozen men led by Chaplain Burr stumbled out of the jungle laden down with water cans and belts of machine gun ammunition around their necks. After unloading the supplies, without hesitation, the volunteers under Chaplain Barr picked up the wounded and returned to the regimental area without losing a man. At 0300 hours the next day the Japanese attacked in force, but retreated at sunup with heavy losses. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Burr, 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.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Chaplain’s Corps)

    Regiment:

    169th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    43d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Chaplain’s Corps) Dudley Holcomb Burr, United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Chaplain with Headquarters, 169th Infantry Regiment, 43d Infantry Division, in action in the South Pacific Theater of Operations, during World War II. Chaplain Burr swam under water across a Philippine river on Luzon, Philippine Islands, to report a heavy battle action to his battalion commander, and then swam back to help evacuate the wounded. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Chaplain Burr, 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.