Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Elmer Enos Burkholder, Jr. (ASN: RA-15104213), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 34th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Sergeant Burkholder distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Taejon, Korea, on 20 July 1950. When Headquarters and Headquarters Company, with attached units, attempted to run a roadblock set up by the North Koreans, the driver for the Company Commander was killed and the First Sergeant was wounded. Sergeant Burkholder volunteered to drive his commanding officer, First Sergeant and a regimental chaplain through the blockade. Almost immediately after starting the run Sergeant Burkholder was wounded in the face and chest by shrapnel from a grenade. He continued to drive until his vehicle was knocked out by enemy fire and he was forced to take cover. A prime mover stopped nearby to remove some vehicles that were blocking his way and upon seeing this, Sergeant Burkholder carried his First Sergeant, who had a broken leg, approximately forty yards through intense small arms and automatic weapons fire to the prime mover, which moved them to a safe position. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Sergeant Enos on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Division:

    87th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, 87th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 213 (1945)

    (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 Private First Class Elmer Enos Burkholder, Jr. (ASN: RA-15104213), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 87th Infantry Division during World War II. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.