The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Anton Burckhard (ASN: 37025548), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company F, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action on 10 November 1942, near Koli Point, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Private First Class Burckhard was a member of a patrol sent out into enemy territory to contact a unit. When returning from this successful operation, the patrol was ambushed by considerable numbers of the enemy and subject to machine gun fire. The patrol leader was killed, the second in command and two others were seriously wounded. Private Burckhard and one other, the sole remaining members, withdrew with the three wounded men through dense jungle and across a deep stream, which it was necessary to swim with the three wounded. Private Burckhard and his companion brought the men back to their lines, undoubtedly saving their lives. Private First Class Burckhard’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.