The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Billie R. Burkeen (ASN: RA-16253421), United States Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against the enemy in Korea, while serving with Company F, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 23 August 1950 in the vicinity of Taegu, Korea. Company F had launched an assault against a numerically superior enemy force. During the advance, one of the assault squads was pinned down by intense fire from a hostile machine gun. Private Burkeen, without hesitation and with complete disregard for his personal safety, advanced toward the enemy emplacement, firing his automatic rifle as he dashed forward. He succeeded in killing or wounding most of the crew, before he was struck and killed by enemy fire. The gallantry displayed by Private Burkeen reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.