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Personal info

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

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.govwww.ancestry.com, http://militarytimes.com, www.history.army.mil/html/bookshelves/resmat/ww2list.html

Photo source: American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle