Thornburg, Byron Webster (Deceased)
Private, 9217, Section No. 544, U.S. Army Ambulance Service, attached to French Army
Croix de Guerre with silver and bronze stars (France).
Silver Star. Order No. 13.103 "D", January 25, 1919, General Headquarters, French Armies of the East: He most particularly distinguished himself during the attacks from October 6 - 19, 1918, a the Croix Godinot and at the Gomont first-aid station in accomplishing his evacuation service under a violent bombardment with much courage and zeal. Was killed by shell fragment during an evacuation of wounded.
Bronze Star. Order No. 12.424 "D", December 20, 1918, General Headquarters, French Armies of the East: Was remarkable for his endurance, coolness, courage and entire devotion to duty. He rendered eminent service during the recent combats from October 2 - 11, 1918, in driving his ambulance to the advanced first-aid stations under perilous conditions in order to facilitate the rapid evacuation of the wounded.
Record. Born December 5, 1895, Marion; son of Elmer and Ada (Rousch) Thornburg. Student, Indiana University. Entered service June 12, 1917, Bloomington. Training: Allentown, PA; St. Nazaire, Ferriens, and Doue, France. Assigned to Ambulance Corps No. 88, redesignated Section No. 588, U.S. Army Ambulance Service; transferred to Sanitary Service Unit No. 525, U.S. Ambulance Service; to U.S. Ambulance Service with French Army; to sanitary Service Unit No. 544, U.S. Ambulance Service. Overseas January 8, 1918. Battles: Chateau-Thierry, Chemin des Dames, Champagne, Gomont, Ardennes, Oise-Aisne. Killed in action October 20, 1918, Oise-Aisne. Buried at Marion.
The Byron W. Thornburg Post No. 10, American Legion, at Marion, is named in his honor.