Donald Burns graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Class of 1962. He resigned in 1969 as a U.S. Army Major.
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Donald Burns graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Class of 1962. He resigned in 1969 as a U.S. Army Major.
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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Armor) Donald Andrew Burns (ASN: 0-95816), United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force while serving with Troop F, 2d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in action on 25 May 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, a 4.2 mortar fire base and an infantry platoon received heavy enemy mortar and intense small arms fire. Captain Burns, in command of a task force of infantry, armor, and cavalry, rushed his force to the battle area. He took the lead and, standing on top of his personnel carrier with complete disregard for his own safety, cleared the sniper area while under fire. Upon accomplishing this mission, he was dispatched to the enemy’s mortar emplacement location. As his forces reached the base of Hill 61, they again came under heavy enemy fire, and dispatching his entire force, routed the enemy. During the ensuing battle, again and again Captain Burns personally stood up on top of his track with complete disregard for his own safety in the face of enemy direct fire, personally calling in artillery to within bursting radius of his own position and rallying his troops to the objective area. During a three hour period Captain Burns continually exposed himself to the enemy fire both mounted and dismounted. His daring effort was an example for his subordinates to follow and led to the success of the mission. Results of the action were approximately thirty-five enemy killed and at least one enemy company declared ineffective. Captain Burns’ unquestionable valor, superior leadership, perseverance, and profound dedication to duty in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.