Msgt Charles Burton was born May 17, 1917 in Leavittown, New York. He enlisted in the 165th Infantry (formerly the Fighting 69th) in New York on February 1, 1941. He served through September 21, 1945, and by that time had made the grade of Staff Sergeant.
Master Sergeant Burton, served in the Anti-tank Company of the 165th Infantry, 27th Division in the Pacific during WW2. Records show that he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his WW2 service, indicating he was wounded.
In Korea, he was the first sergeant of G company of the 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Infantry Division. He was killed in action while fighting the enemy at "Heartbreak Ridge", North Korea on November 1, 1952. Eyewitnesses state that he was in a tank marked with a Red Cross trying to rescue wounded when he was hit by mortar fire. Some records state that he was hit on October 28, but died three days later. For his leadership and valor, Master Sergeant Burton was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal, the Pacific Theater of Operations Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. There is a very good write-up on Burton in the Koreanwar.org website.
Msgt Burton's group in possesion at this time is his officially small machine engraved pothumous slot brooch Purple Heart with its presentation box. The whereabouts of the other medals is unknown. Also included is an multi-page copy of Burton's official Death Report.
