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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 pride in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) Joseph William Burkett (ASN: 0-69608), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations in Vietnam on 13 July 1964, and serving as a Senior Advisor to a Vietnamese Ranger Battalion. Upon learning that a district headquarters in a Vietnamese city was under heavy attack by a hostile force of approximately seven hundred, Major Burkett unhesitatingly volunteered to participate in the support effort to relieve the city. He bravely placed himself in a lead position to advise his Vietnamese counterparts and, as the support element neared its objective, it was suddenly ambushed by an overwhelming number of enemy troops which delivered a devastating volume of intense gun fire from well-prepared positions. Then, with fortitude, determination, and complete disregard for his own personal safety, Major Burkett exposed himself to this barrage of weapons fire while assisting in reorganizing the unit and encouraging the friendly troops to pursue their objective. Although subjected to the onslaught of enemy gunfire, he courageously continued his advisory efforts until mortally wounded. Major Burkett’s conspicuous gallantry in action is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 12, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 159 (June 15, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph William Burkett (ASN: 0-69608/0-20168435), United States Army, for heroic achievement on 12 May 1951 in the vicinity of Sagel, Korea. On that date his company was in defensive positions near Hill 699. Given the mission of seizing the hill, Lieutenant Burkett led two platoons forward in a bayonet attack which drove the enemy from his position. After securing the hill, Lieutenant Burkett, was ordered to withdraw when threatened with possible encirclement. Although subjected to intense enemy fire, Lieutenant Burkett, with an automatic rifle team, fought a delaying action while other members of the platoon withdrew, carrying the casualties with them. After satisfying himself that no comrades had been left behind, Lieutenant Burkett and the automatic rifle team joined the company. The sustained courage, inspiring leadership and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Burkett reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 27, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 210 (April 28, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph William Burkett (ASN: 0-69608/0-20168435), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 27 July 1951 in the vicinity of Taeusan, Korea. On that date, Company B was deployed in conjunction with the 1st Battalion of the 38th Infantry Regiment, in an attack on a strongly fortified hill held by a fanatical enemy. Lieutenant Burkett led his platoon forward under intense enemy fire. Later when his platoon lost contact with the rest of the company he acted entirely on his own initiative keeping his men in position to insure maximum effectiveness. Moving among his men, Lieutenant Burkett openly exposed himself to direct intense enemy fire in order to direct devastating fire on the enemy positions. His gallant leadership and courage were an inspiration to all who witnessed his acts. The gallantry in action displayed by Lieutenant Burkett reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    June 2, 1951
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 208 (June 21, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joseph William Burkett (ASN: 0-69608/0-20168435), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action on 2 June 1951 in the vicinity of Chap-Yong-ni, Korea. On that day Company B was attacking well entrenched enemy positions on Hill 451. As the company reached the top of the hill it was discovered that the enemy had pulled back to the reverse slope of the hill and were preparing a mass counterattack. Lieutenant Burkett maintained control of his men and built up a defense line. During the intense automatic weapons fire and grenade explosions he walked among his men encouraging them. Directing the fire of his platoon, Lieutenant Burkett inflicted numerous casualties on the enemy. As the attack stopped momentarily he had his men move to positions where there was a better field of fire. He also saw that all the positions were supplied with ammunition and grenades for the next attack. Again the enemy started his mass attack, but under devastating fire directed by Lieutenant Burkett the assault wavered and broke, and the enemy retreated in a complete rout, leaving uncounted dead on the field. Lieutenant Burkett’s gallantry and brilliant leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.