Walberg Presents Long-Overdue Purple Heart to Family of WWII Veteran

Today, Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) presented the Purple Heart to the Burnham Family to posthumously honor Corporal Robert ‘‘Bob’’ C.  Burnham, Sr., who served in the U.S. Army during WWII.

Bob joined the United States Army in 1943 and completed basic training at Fort Custer, where he prepared for the demands of wartime service with discipline and resolve. He went on to serve as a member of Battery D of the 548th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, rising to the rank of Corporal through dedication and leadership.

In 1945, while serving in Germany, Bob was wounded in action. His courage and sacrifice during this pivotal moment in our nation's history stand as lasting reminders of the price paid by those who fought to secure freedom and peace around the world.

After returning home, Bob served his community for many years as a courier for Kalamazoo Public Schools before passing away in 2005. After being contacted by Corporal Burnham's son, Congressman Walberg's constituent services team worked closely with the appropriate military agencies to locate and secure the Purple Heart that Corporal Burnham had rightfully earned but never received.

"It is an honor to recognize the life, legacy, and extraordinary service of Corporal Burnham and present his family with the Purple Heart," said Rep. Walberg. "The 250th anniversary since our founding reminds us that each chapter of our national story was written by people like Corporal Burnham who made extraordinary sacrifices so that our nation could endure and thrive. His service helped ensure that future generations could live in a nation defined by freedom, and I am privileged to have helped ensure that he received this long-overdue recognition." 

You may view pictures from the ceremony here. 

If any veterans or their families need assistance securing the benefits, records, and recognition they have earned, please contact Congressman Walberg's Jackson District Office at (517) 780-9075 or visit his website at Walberg.House.gov.