Elmer J. Burr

After the 32nd Division was federalized in 1940, he participated in training exercises with his unit until late 1941, when he was discharged for being over the 28-year age limit.

[1] However, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, led to Burr re-enlisting from Menasha, Wisconsin, and rejoining the 32nd Division.

On that day, he smothered the blast of an enemy-thrown hand grenade with his body, sacrificing himself to protect those around him.

[1] For this action, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor ten months later, on October 11, 1943.

[2] First Sergeant Burr's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty.