JimD Posted January 19, 2012 Share #1 Posted January 19, 2012 Machinist Mate 2nd Class Jack W. Burd was a pre-war member of the U.S.Navy who served aboard the St. Louis class light cruiser USS Helena CL 50. The Helena was launched 27 August 1939. She was commissioned 18 September 1939. Muster rolls show that MM2c Burd was received aboard the Helena one day later. He was also a member of the crew on 7 December 1941 at Pearl Harbor when the Helena was struck by a Japanese torpedo and was credited with downing 6 planes. During her service the Helena was present when USS Wasp was sunk. She took in survivors. In October 1942 she participated in the Battle of Cape Esperance, sinking 4 Japanese warships. In November 1942 she bombarded Japanese positions on Guadalcanal and later took a part in sinking 5 warships in the naval Battle of Guadalcanal. January thru July 1943 the Helena bombarded enemy positions on Munda and the Kula Gulf, convoyed troops to Rico Anchorage and covered troop landings in that area. On 6 July 1943 the Helena was part of a task force of three cruisers and four destroyers that confronted a “Tokyo Express” group of ten Japanese destroyers cruising down the slot in Kula Gulf. The Helena began a continuous-fire attack on the Japanese vessels that illuminated her in the night. She was hit by 3 Japanese torpedoes. Even after her bow broke off and she was obviously doomed, the Helena’s remaining batteries blazed away. It is estimated that the Helena loosed more than 1000 rounds before sinking and was credited with sinking three ships. Most of the crew survived the sinking. Some were immediately rescued, others drifted for days throughout the Solomons before reaching landfall and rescue. MM2c Burd was not among the rescued. The USS Helena was the first ship to receive the Navy Unit Commendation. MM2c Burd served aboard the Helena from the day after her commissioning until her death. He was from Illinois Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimD Posted January 19, 2012 Author Share #2 Posted January 19, 2012 The medal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KASTAUFFER Posted January 19, 2012 Share #3 Posted January 19, 2012 Very nice Jim! Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason G Posted January 19, 2012 Share #4 Posted January 19, 2012 The newspaper with the heart really 'makes' this IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobza Posted January 19, 2012 Share #5 Posted January 19, 2012 Nice type II heart :thumbsup: :drool2: Lubos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vicjoy1945 Posted January 19, 2012 Share #6 Posted January 19, 2012 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Very nice tribute to this fine fighting ship and this gallant sailor who served aboard her. Thanks for showing !! Vic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarbridge Posted January 19, 2012 Share #7 Posted January 19, 2012 Thats a Keeper Jim.Nice Heart to a Valiant Sailor.Congrats,Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ww1collector Posted January 19, 2012 Share #8 Posted January 19, 2012 Really nice especially with the newspaper article. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Baker Posted January 19, 2012 Share #9 Posted January 19, 2012 Beautiful heart!! Have to agree about the paper too, it really sets it off. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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