Missing information?
Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?
Submit- Full
name
BURNS, Thomas Hugh - Date of
birth
19 April 1920 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Meredith, Belknap County, New Hampshire -
Hometown
Belknap County, New Hampshire
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
31461442 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
C Company,
1st Battalion,
16th Infantry Regiment,
1st Infantry Division
-
Awards
Silver Star,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
5 January 1945 - Place of
death
Vicinity of Waimes, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| E | 12 | 52 |
Immediate family
-
Members
William H. Burns (father)
Lillian G. (Rowen) Burns (mother)
Evelyn M. (Fitzgerald) Burns (wife)
Marjorie Burns (daughter)
William Burns (son)
More information
Pvt Thomas Burns enlisted at Fort Devens, Massachusetts 3 April 1944. He was was awarded the Silver Star (posthumously) for gallantry in action in connection with combat operations against the enemy.The citation cited: "For gallantry in action in the vicinity of Faymonville, Belgium, 5 January 1945. Observing an enemy machine-gun on his company's flank, Private Burns courageously proceded across perilous terrain to an exposed vantage point and, with accurate fire, inflicted severe casualties upon the foe. Then, fearlessly moving to a more advantegeous position, he destroyed a hostile sniper. While performing his gallant deed, Private Burns was mortally wounded. His exemplary initiative reflects great credit upon the Army of the United States."
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Aimee Fogg, Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.ancestry.com, http://militarytimes.com, www.history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/ww2list.html
Photo source: American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle