Navy Federal Credit Union

By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Harry W. Burns, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at the Battalion Aid Station at Crezancy, France during the battle int hat sector on 15 July 1918, the building Lieutenant Burns was occupying was shot to pieces by shell and the station had to be abandoned. Leaving under heavy barrage he soon found himself separated from his command. Collecting a hand of scattered Medical Corps men and Bandsmen, unmindful of his own safety, seeing the great number of wounded about and their needs, with marked presence of mind he organized a dressing station in a barn near St. Eugene, established Ambulance connection, used the dressings the Medical Corps men had in their belts and succeeded in evacuating 75 or 80 wounded. Such gallantry was more than could have been expected of him even if discharging his full duty.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    30th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 15, 1918

    GHQ, American Expeditionary Forces, Citation Orders No. 1 (June 3, 1919)

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Harry W. Burns, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. First Lieutenant Burns distinguished himself by gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Officer with the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, in action at Crezancy, France, 15 July 1918, in caring for the wounded under heavy enemy fire.