Well-Earned Salute for Col. Burtnick

I enjoyed your article on the post-humous award of the Medal of Honor to Sgt. William Shemin (“ Medal of Honor,”  June 5); however, one major element was left out. Col. Erwin Burtnick, commander of the Department of Maryland and chairman of the national Awards for Valor Committee of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA, was largely responsible for the award of this medal.His work on Sgt. Shemin’s behalf was the subject of two previous articles (“ Belated Honor,”  Jan. 20, 2012, and “Medal of Honor,”  Sept. 11, 2014) and articles in other publications throughout the country and around the world. Col. Burtnick’s expertise, research and tenacity in pursuing this matter for over five years culminated in this well-deserved honor for Sgt. Shemin.