The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Vernon Burtman (MCSN: 0-13856), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Acting Platoon Leader of Company K, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 22 May 1945. Although twice wounded by enemy machine-gun fire, Captain Burtman courageously led his platoon in overcoming a fierce pocket of enemy resistance, continuing to expose himself to hostile fire and lead his platoon throughout the fire fight. Only after all opposition had been destroyed and his mission successfully completed, did he allow himself to be evacuated. By his leadership, initiative and untiring devotion to duty, Captain Burtman contributed materially to the success of this operation and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.