William WILLIAM Burner

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to William Burner (US54920312), Specialist Four E4 United States Army, Company A, 2nd Battalion 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, APO 96371. For gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Specialist Four Burner distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 June 1968, while serving as a Rifleman with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission in the Plain of Reeds. When his element suddenly met with ambush fire, Specialist Burner immediately rushed forward, firing his weapon, until he could assume a good firing position behind a rice paddy dike. Specialist Burner courageously charged across the open rice paddy and singlehandedly destroyed two emplacements with grenades and small arms fire. Specialist Four Burner’s extraordinary heroics and devotion to duty in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.
By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918, and USARV message 16695, dated 1 July 1966.