In Memory of George Burt, 20th Infantry Regiment, 6th Infantry.
George Burt passed away on March 24, 2008 at the age of 91 in Oceanside, California due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
George entered into active service on 6/25/41. He served as Battalion Adjutant with the 20th Infantry Regiment at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and San Luis Obispo, California. He served as Company Commander from September 1943 to February 1945 at Milre Bay, New Guinea and Maffin Bay, Dutch New Guinea in a Heavy Weapons Company. From February 1945 to November 1945 was Battalion S-2 and S-3 in charge of operations and training. As Company Commander Captain Burt was in charge of 186 men operating six 81 MM mortarsand eight .30 calibre heavy machine guns.
George received the Bronze Star in connection with operations against the enemy on Luzon, Philippine Islands from January 9th to March 27th, 1945 during which the 20th Infantry Regiment was heavily engaged in the battle known as “Cracking the Shimbu Line”.
During that same battle he also received the Purple Heart with an Oak Leaf Cluster as he was wounded twice, roughly 3 weeks apart, on February 28th and March 16, 1945. Captain Burt returned to the battle and stayed in the Pacific Theatre until the regiment headed back to the USA in December of 1945.
George served in the Officer Reserve Corps and was promoted to Major in December of 1946. Major Burt was tranfered to the Retired Reserve of the United States Army in June of 1960.
Born April 24th, 1916 in South Shore, SD George graduated from Watertown South Dakota High School and South Dakota State University majoring in Economics and Mathmatics. His work background included that of insurance examiner, State of South Dakota Insurance Commissioner and a 22 year career as an Associate Actuary with State Farm Auto Insurance in Bloomington, Illinois before retiring in 1981.
Over the years George was avid golfer, outstanding cribbage player, shot a mean game of pool and never left a crossword puzzle unfinished. He enjoyed both ballroom and square dancing. He was a true American gentlemen and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother.
A private family service was held at Eternal Hills in Oceanside California.
Submitted by his son, Bill Burt of Phoenix Arizona.
Virgil Garrison, 93, who served with the 20th Regiment, 6th Infantry Division from June 1941 until the end of WWII, died at his home in Chico, Calif., Nov. 2, 2008.
Garrison was awarded the Silver Star for actions in Luzon in March 1945.
He served first in C Co. and later in HQ Co.
He was buried in Glen Oaks Cemetery, in Chico, with full military honors.
He was the “best buddy” of my uncle, Audie Luna, who served in the same units until he died March 20, 1945, from wounds suffered on Luzon.
Both men were from Ozark County, Mo.
In 1979 I was just out of college and starting my first real job. It was then I became acquainted with Mr. Burt.
To this day, I remember him as a true gentleman. Despite the corporate position he held, Mr. Burt always treated everyone with dignity, respect, and courtesy.
When people speak of “The Greatest Generation,” they’re talking about folks like Mr. Burt.