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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 Private First Class Herbert Hoover Burr (ASN: 37236263), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces in Belgium, on 15 January 1944. On that date, during action near Neville, Belgium, the tank in which Private Burr was serving as assistant driver was disabled by enemy artillery fire. Private Burr dismounted, evacuated one wounded crew member to a place of safety, and crawled 150 yards back to the burning tank in an endeavor to rescue the remaining crew members. Finding that they were dead, he drove the tank to a place of cover and extinguished the flames. Private First Class Burr’s conspicuous heroism and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 11th Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    41st Tank Battalion

    Division:

    11th Armored Division

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1945
    War Department, General Orders No. 73, August 30, 1945

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Staff Sergeant Herbert Hoover Burr, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry during action on 19 March 1945, while serving with Company C, 41st Tank Battalion, 11th Armored Division, in action at Dorrmoschel, Germany, when the tank in which he was bow gunner was hit by an enemy rocket, which severely wounded the platoon sergeant and forced the remainder of the crew to abandon the vehicle. Deafened, but otherwise unhurt, Staff Sergeant Burr immediately climbed into the driver’s seat and continued on the mission of entering the town to reconnoiter road conditions. As he rounded a turn he encountered an 88-mm antitank gun at pointblank range. Realizing that he had no crew, no one to man the tank’s guns, he heroically chose to disregard his personal safety in a direct charge on the German weapon. At considerable speed he headed straight for the loaded gun, which was fully manned by enemy troops who had only to pull the lanyard to send a shell into his vehicle. So unexpected and daring was his assault that he was able to drive his tank completely over the gun, demolishing it and causing its crew to flee in confusion. He then skillfully sideswiped a large truck, overturned it, and wheeling his lumbering vehicle, returned to his company. When medical personnel who had been summoned to treat the wounded sergeant could not locate him, the valiant soldier ran through a hail of sniper fire to direct them to his stricken comrade. The bold, fearless determination of Staff Sergeant Burr, his skill and courageous devotion to duty, resulted in the completion of his mission in the face of seemingly impossible odds.