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 the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant [then Specialist Fourth Class] James Sandford Burnett, Jr. (ASN: US-52765263), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Burnett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 27 January 1969 while serving as a Squad Leader with Company C, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on an ambush patrol in Dinh Tuong Province. When his patrol came under intense hostile fire as they moved toward their night location, Specialist Burnett courageously led his squad in an assault on the enemy emplacements. He was mortally wounded during his valiant action, but saved the lives of many other men in the patrol by giving them time to reach cover and return effective fire against the enemy. Specialist Fourth Class Burnett’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.