During the afternoon of 3rd October 1944, Lance-Sergeant Burn went forward with his platoon officer and reconnaissance party to check a possible bridging site over the Antwerp and Turnhout Canal. The area was found to be thickly sown with enemy "S" mines and booby-trapped charges. As this was the only possible place in the area where a bridge could be built, the party commenced to clear the minefield.
The area was under direct observation by the enemy, and the party worked under continuous enemy machine gun fire. Mortar fire caused casualties and Lance-Sergeant Burn prodded a path through the minefield to his badly wounded officer, carrying him out to safety despite the danger from mines and the continued enemy fire. He then took command of the party, and without thought for his personal safety, personally led his men, encouraging them to further untiring effort. The task was successfully completed by nightfall and the bridging site completely cleared of mines. The outstanding courage and determination shown by this Non-Commissioned Officer in completing a most hazardous and important task, and his aggressive and confident leadership of the platoon were an example and an inspiration to all ranks.
During the afternoon of 3rd October 1944, Lance-Sergeant Burn went forward with his platoon officer and reconnaissance party to check a possible bridging site over the Antwerp and Turnhout Canal. The area was found to be thickly sown with enemy "S" mines and booby-trapped charges. As this was the only possible place in the area where a bridge could be built, the party commenced to clear the minefield.
The area was under direct observation by the enemy, and the party worked under continuous enemy machine gun fire. Mortar fire caused casualties and Lance-Sergeant Burn prodded a path through the minefield to his badly wounded officer, carrying him out to safety despite the danger from mines and the continued enemy fire. He then took command of the party, and without thought for his personal safety, personally led his men, encouraging them to further untiring effort. The task was successfully completed by nightfall and the bridging site completely cleared of mines. The outstanding courage and determination shown by this Non-Commissioned Officer in completing a most hazardous and important task, and his aggressive and confident leadership of the platoon were an example and an inspiration to all ranks.