The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Curtis Burtness (ASN: RA-26785395), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company G, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 October 1951 in the vicinity of Sadanggol, Korea. On this date while advancing toward enemy positions, Company G suddenly encountered intense hostile crossfire as it proceeded through a small valley. A radioman, wounded by the sudden burst of fire, fell exposed to hostile observation. Corporal Burtness, communications chief, unhesitatingly advanced into the small clearing amidst a hail of hostile machine gun fire. Reaching the wounded man, he administered first aid and carried him to a position of safety. During the encounter that followed, he repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire to deliver vital messages to his company and on numerous occasions carried ammunition to the front line troops. On one of these trips an enemy mortar shell burst in his vicinity knocking him from the ridge. Undaunted, he returned and continued with his mission until his unit secured its objective. The gallantry in action displayed by Corporal Burtness on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.