The Isle of Valor is located adjacent to Smith Park and honors those service members from Menasha who exhibited bravery or valor in military or civilian circumstances. Pictured here are Elmer J. Burr and Ken Stumpf who received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action bestowed on any U.S. soldier.
Elmer J. Burr Jr. was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for service during World War II in New Guinea as a member of Company I, 3rd battalion, 127th Infantry, 32nd Division, Wisconsin National Guard. On December 24, 1942 he covered a grenade with his body to save the lives of his comrades. Though he died of his wounds the following day, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on October 11, 1943.
On April 25, 1967 as a Specialist Four in Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, Ken Stumpf rescued three wounded comrades despite heavy fire and single-handedly disabled an enemy bunker. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. He served 29 years with the US Army before retiring in 1994.
This being Memorial Day, let’s take a moment to reflect upon the many individuals who answered the call to arms for a higher purpose- to preserve liberty, justice, equality, and the right to live in a world free of oppression. Let us thank them for their service and never forget their sacrifice.
I would like to say that my brother In law name is over at Smith Park. And I and my husband and son is so happy to see his name there.In anyway I wish I meet my brother in Law because he is so much miss by his family.
ReplyDelete