Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Hauptmann (Captain)

Unit:

I. / Infanterie-Regiment 111

Awarded on:

March 14th, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Major

Unit:

Führer Grenadier-Regiment 111 / 35.Infanterie-Division

Awarded on:

August 12th, 1944

On the 24.06.1944 Major Burst, the leader of the divisional reserve, had the mission of ejecting the enemy from their break-in point at Petrowitschi. However even as he tried to do so a new enemy assault unit thrust from Radin towards Nikolajewka through Rakowitschi. This created a critical new situation for Major Burst and his forces.

In this situation Major Burst made the independent decision to let himself be encircled near Nikolajewka and Point 142.4. From this position, and with the support of the Sturmgeschütz-Abteilung 1035, he enabled friendly artillery to pull back to the second position. During the evening hours Major Burst and his Kampfgruppe (supported by 4 Sturmgeschützen) then fought their way back to friendly lines at Ssekiritschi. He would later be awarded the Knight’s Cross for buying valuable time for the artillery to pull back.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)