John Francis Burnes

On December 9, 1916, in a letter signed (by direction) by John A. LeJeune, Burnes was "designated to take the examination for appointment as Marine Gunner (General Duties)".

Burnes was discharged from his enlistment so that he could accept the appointment as Marine Gunner (a rank equivalent to Chief Warrant Officer).

"In the attack on the Bois de Belleau June 12, 1918 he was badly wounded but completed disposition of his platoon under violent fire.

Citation: The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John F. Burnes (MCSN: 0-2061), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F.

The injuries which he sustained in the performance of this self-sacrificing duty later caused his death.Citation: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain John F. Burnes (MCSN: 0-2061), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Sixth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action in the attack on Bois-de-Belleau, France, 12 June 1918.