William B. Burt

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William B. Burt, Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Force, for gallantry in action while serving with the 86th Observation Squadron during the Japanese air attack at Bellows Field, Territory of Hawaii, on 7 December 1941. Sergeant (then Private) Burt, without prior training in the gunner’s cockpit of an C-473 type observation airplane, sustained fire being delivered by diving flying enemy aircraft. His position was precarious due to the quality of enemy fire. However, Private Burt remained in his post until the conclusion of the raid.

Authority: “Heroes of Pearl Harbor”, Donald K. & Helen L. Ross