Son Finds Artifacts of Father's WW II War Battle

John Hollenhorst ReportingA surprise discovery of some old World War II artifacts has caused an unexpected turn in the life of a father and son in Utah. It's helping them close the books on interlocking tragedies of several families here and in Japan.

Michael Burn never knew his father, who survived World War II as a hero and then died a hero in the Korean War. But now some artifacts have strengthened family bonds and launched a trip to Japan.

It was a battle, recreated in the movie "The Thin Red Line," where William Burn faced death many times. He survived, a decorated hero, on Guadalcanal, 1943. His son Michael has been collecting documents, photos and clippings about his father most of his life.

The father he never knew went off to fight again in the Korean War. That was when Michael and his twin brother were just a few weeks old. Captain William Burn died in combat in Korea in 1951.

During all his years of collecting, Michael never could locate artifacts he knew his father had brought back from World War II.

Michael Burn, Soldier's Son: "They had been taken from my mother after my father was killed in Korea. And no one knew where they were."

A few months ago, a relative called. The artifacts were unexpectedly found in a garage.

Michael Burn: "After waiting some 54 years for these things, there was almost a religious connotation to it."

The artifacts include a Japanese battle flag with personalized writings and prayers to carry into combat. There are notebooks and wallets with Japanese writing, a sash from a ceremonial sword, and snapshots taken by Japanese soldiers. At least four different men carried these objects at the most desperate moment of their lives.

Michael Burn: "He had collected the artifacts at their death, and we think intended to return to their families."

William Burn may have killed all of them. He and a few other Americans fought and clawed their way to the top of a strategically important ridge in the face of overwhelming odds. His own helmet shows how lucky he was to survive. A bullet fired at close range ricocheted around inside, tearing into his earlobe and shoulder.

Matthew Burn, Soldier's Grandson: "One inch. If that bullet was one inch farther away, it could have really ended. I would never existed."

At that same relative' s house they found a Japanese pistol; it's believed to be the same one that put holes in Lieutenant Burn's helmet.

Michael Burn: "It caused my father to be propelled backwards, where he essentially played dead until that Japanese officer came down. At which point my father rolled over and shot him, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for this battle."

It's the nation 's second highest honor, another artifact connecting father and son across a gulf of time.

Michael Burn: "Needless to say, I'm extremely proud of my father and what my father accomplished, even though he had essentially a short life."

Michael thinks the most significant artifact is a lock of hair. It's motivated his son to take a trip to Japan on behalf of his grandfather.

Michael Burn: "And then I believe the buddy was also killed before he could send this back to the family."

Through months of research and investigation, Michael and Matthew Burn have linked the artifacts to four different Japanese soldiers.

Matthew Burn: "It has been quite difficult because, I think, a lot of the records back then weren't kept that well."

Later this month, Matthew will fly to Japan. The plan is to return the artifacts to relatives of the men William Burn faced in war as enemies.

Michael Burn: "But that does not take away the inherent responsibility to be a human being and to have courtesy and compassion for other soldiers."

Michael himself spent 36 years in the military. He announced his retirement the very month his father's artifacts were discovered.

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