The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Ralph D. Burns (ASN: 0-32472), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 18 July 1952 to 23 July 1952 in the vicinity of Chorwon, North Korea. During that period Colonel Burns was commander of a Provisional Infantry Battalion formed from elements of the 23rd Infantry Regiment. On 18 July 1952, Colonel Burns’ battalion had the mission of counterattacking and retaking Hill 266, “Old Baldy”. The axis of the advance was Death Valley Road which leads past the forward aid station to “Old Baldy”. As the battalion proceeded north of the aid station, the attack was temporarily halted by an intense barrage of enemy artillery. Colonel Burns, with complete disregard for personal safety, moved about the impact area, reorganizing his unit and getting the attack under way once more. During this time, some of the heaviest enemy artillery and mortar concentrations of the Korean Campaign was delivered upon them. Advancing with the attack, he led his battalion to the vicinity of the objective and positioned himself on a vantage point called “Check Point Easy”, which was under severe enemy fire for several hours. He remained there until the battalion was counterattacked by the enemy during the night and forced to withdraw from the hill. The next day Colonel Burns fearlessly organized a blocking position during an intense enemy artillery and mortar barrage, to keep the hostile forces from advancing to the Forward Aid Station. His outstanding leadership and inspiring courage were paramount factors in stopping the enemy’s onslaught and keeping the casualties of the friendly forces to a minimum. The gallantry in action displayed by Colonel Burns reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.