Tony Kenneth Burris
Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

Tony Kenneth Burris was born on 30 May 1929 in Blanchard, OK. He entered the U.S. Army from Blanchard and was a Sergeant First Class with Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War.

SFC Burris was seriously wounded by the enemy in Korea on 12 February 1951 and returned to duty on 29 March 1951. When attacking enemy positions at "Heartbreak Ridge" near Mundung-ni, North Korea on 8 October 1951, he singlehandedly charged forward killing 15 enemy soldiers. The next day, he exposed himself to enemy fire so its position could be discovered and destroyed. Although seriously wounded, he attacked, expended his last grenade and fell to the ground.

For his leadership and great valor, SFC Burris was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on 8-9 October 1951.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army, Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division

Place and date: Vicinity of Mundung-ni, Korea, 8 and 9 October 1951

G.O. No.: 84, 5 September 1952

Citation:

Sfc. Burris, a member of Company L, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty. On 8 October, when his company encountered intense fire from an entrenched hostile force, Sfc. Burris charged forward alone, throwing grenades into the position and destroying approximately 15 of the enemy. On the following day, spearheading a renewed assault on enemy positions on the next ridge, he was wounded by machine gun fire but continued the assault, reaching the crest of the ridge ahead of his unit and sustaining a second wound. Calling for a 57mm. recoilless rifle team, he deliberately exposed himself to draw hostile fire and reveal the enemy position. The enemy machine gun emplacement was destroyed. The company then moved forward and prepared to assault other positions on the ridge line. Sfc. Burris, refusing evacuation and submitting only to emergency treatment, joined the unit in its renewed attack but fire from hostile emplacement halted the advance. Sfc. Burris rose to his feet, charged forward and destroyed the first emplacement with its heavy machine gun and crew of 6 men. Moving out to the next emplacement, and throwing his last grenade which destroyed this position, he fell mortally wounded by enemy fire. Inspired by his consummate gallantry, his comrades renewed a spirited assault which overran enemy positions and secured Hill 605, a strategic position in the battle for "Heartbreak Ridge," Sfc. Burris' indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding heroism, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest glory upon himself, the infantry and the U.S. Army.

Medals, Awards and Badge

Medal of Honor
Purple Heart (2 Awards)
National Defense Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Korean Presidential Unit Citation
Combat Infantryman Badge

Burial

Tony Kenneth Burris is buried in Blanchard Cemetery, Blanchard, OK. His grave can be found at GPS (lat/lon): 35.1591, -97.65226.