Navy Federal Credit Union

James Burnette was seriously wounded by the enemy in South Korea on September 6, 1950 and returned to duty on September 8, 1950. Nine days later he was Killed in Action in the mission that earned him the Distinguished Service Cross.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    23d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    September 17, 1950

    Headquarters, EIGHTH U.S. Army, Korea, General Orders No. 155 (March 20, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Corporal James Ivory Burnette (ASN: RA-14312953), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division. Corporal Burnette distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces near Changnyong, Korea, on 17 September 1950. Corporal Burnette’s company was attacking a well-entrenched enemy force when it was pinned down by intense enemy small-arms and machine-gun fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he picked up his light machine-gun and advanced alone toward the enemy position, firing from the hip. He continued to advance on the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties with his machine-gun fire, until he was killed. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Corporal Burnette on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.