Tony K. Burris The Hero, The Person, The Letters

Tony K. Burris was born May 30, 1929 in Blanchard, Oklahoma just in time for the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The family lived as sharecroppers on farms they did not own, they were often hungry when drought or dust destroyed crops. In 1939, the family moved to a larger farm belonging to his Aunt Jenny Curry Apple and her husband but still had trouble making ends meet. The modest three-bedroom house did not have a phone, electricity, or running water. With help from the four oldest children, the family planted a large garden and raised chickens, cows, and pigs. Tony also contributed by trapping rabbits and catching fish. He enlisted at the start of the Korean War, and after four months of training was sent to Korea in February 1951.

Medal of Honor Citation:

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Sergeant First Class Tony Kenneth Burris (ASN: RA-18313674), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Mundung-ni, Korea, on 8 and 9 October 1951. On 8 October, when his company encountered intense fire from an entrenched hostile force, Sergeant First Class 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 machinegun fire but continued the assault, reaching the crest of the ridge ahead of his unit and sustaining a second wound. Calling for a 57-mm. recoilless rifle team, he deliberately exposed himself to draw hostile fire and reveal the enemy position. The enemy machinegun emplacement was destroyed. The company then moved forward and prepared to assault other positions on the ridge line. Sergeant First Class Burris, refusing evacuation and submitting only to emergency treatment, joined the unit in its renewed attack but fire from hostile emplacement halted the advance. Sergeant First Class Burris rose to his feet, charged forward and destroyed the first emplacement with its heavy machinegun and crew of six 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," Sergeant First Class Burris' indomitable fighting spirit, outstanding heroism, and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest glory upon himself, the infantry and the United States Army. Signed by President Harry S. Truman.