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The Bluffton News
Bluffton, Allen County, Hancock County, Ohio
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Bluffton, Ohio's Sgt. Elmer E. Burkholder awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary bravery in Korea on July 20, 1950, at Taejon. Despite being wounded, he drove through a North Korean roadblock and carried an injured comrade to safety under fire. He is recovering in Tokyo.
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Decoration For Bravery On Korean Front
Extraordinary heroism under fire in Korea has earned the Distinguished Service Cross for Sgt. Elmer E. Burkholder, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Burkholder, Sr., of West Elm street.
In the citation made on August 30, the Bluffton sergeant was praised for his heroism at Taejon, Korea, on July 20 when Burkholder's unit attempted to run a road block set up by the North Koreans.
"When the driver for the company commander was killed," the citation reads, "Sgt. Burkholder volunteered to drive his commanding officer, first sergeant and a regimental chaplain through the blockade.
"Almost immediately after starting the run, Sgt. Burkholder was wounded in the face and chest by shrapnel from a hand grenade. He continued to drive until his vehicle was knocked out by enemy fire and he was forced to take cover. A prime mover stopped nearby to remove some vehicles which were blocking the way.
"Upon seeing this, Sgt. Burkholder carried his first sergeant, who had a broken leg, approximately 40 yards through intense small arms and automatic fire to the prime mover, which then moved to a safe position.
His display of gallantry while under fire, his utter disregard for personal safety while attempting to save the lives of others is in keeping with the traditions of the armed forces and reflects great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
Burkholder is recovering in a Tokyo hospital from wounds in both legs, stomach, shoulder, neck and hands. His wife, Elsea Burkholder, has been in Japan with him, where Burkholder was stationed with the army of occupation.
A letter from Burkholder was received this week by the Bluffton American Legion post, which had written to the sergeant.
Sgt. Burkholder also holds the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry badge, Purple Heart with cluster, European Theatre of Operations ribbon with three battle stars, Good Conduct ribbon with clasp, American Defence ribbon, Japanese Occupation ribbon and the Victory ribbon.
He is a member of Headquarters company, 34th Infantry regiment, 24th Infantry division.
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Location
Taejon, Korea
Event Date
July 20, 1950
Story Details
Sgt. Elmer E. Burkholder volunteered to drive his commanding officer, first sergeant, and chaplain through a North Korean roadblock at Taejon. Wounded by shrapnel, he continued driving until the vehicle was disabled. He then carried his injured first sergeant through enemy fire to safety, earning the Distinguished Service Cross.