SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Jan 11, one World War II veteran and native of Jordan, Minn. was given an extra special surprise for his wartime service by the Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash.
Retired Pfc. Burdette C. Stief, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, United States Army was invited to the office of the Minnesota adjutant general. The general and longtime friend, wanted to surprise him with a Bronze Star Medal for his wartime service.
Military members of every branch of service, display awards of achievement, acts of valor and heroism on their formal dress uniform. The Bronze Star Medal a prestigious individual military award of the United States Armed Forces. It may be awarded for acts of heroism, acts of merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone.
As stated in his award citation, ‘Pfc. Stief separated himself from his peers by exceptionally meritorious wartime service while assigned with the unit from December 1943 to November 1945 … Private First Class Steif’s loyalty, duty, selfless service, and personal courage are commensurate with his generation’s laudable sacrifice and sense of duty which defined the greatest generation and led to the defeat of the Axis Powers in World War II. ’
It was absolutely wonderful to be here and recognized by General Nash, said a very shocked Stief at the surprise of being awarded his Bronze Star at the Veterans Service Building in St. Paul, Minn.
Many Soldiers today couldn’t fathom the lack of technology and armor previous generations were subjected to as they deployed to combat zones. As a soldier of the 28th Infantry Division in the 1940’s, they had very little support compared to the Service member of today’s military. During his visit, Nash and Stief exchanged banter and chatted over a model M1 rifle, a model weapon very similar to what he would have been issued.
Soldiers like Stief and his peers fought in campaigns in Northern France, the Rhineland, Central Europe and Ardennes-Alsace, including the battles of Vossenack, Huertgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge. Stief’s dedicated service under a variety of adverse combat conditions highlights his personal bravery and devotion to duty, one of many reasons he was awarded the Bronze Star.
After nearly 70 years it was an honor to be able to finally present him with the Bronze Star that he deserves, said Nash. His professionalism and dedication are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Army and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
Jan. 11, 2013
By Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs