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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Alfred Earl Burer (ASN: OF-111458), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 5 October 1968. On this date, First Lieutenant Burer was serving as a platoon leader in Company E, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, with his unit on a battalion-minus reconnaissance in force operation west of Lai Khe. At approximately 1330 hours, while proceeding through dense jungle, the lead element was suddenly subjected to intense North Vietnamese fire from well-fortified positions. First Lieutenant Burer immediately organized his platoon into rear security for the command post group. When he was informed that the forward elements had expended nearly all their machine gun ammunition, he collected all spare ammunition from the men in his location. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he maneuvered through the hail of hostile rounds to the point of heaviest contact and distributed the ammunition. He then moved forward again to assist in the evacuation of several seriously injured companions. After a re-supply helicopter dropped some of its materials near the insurgent fortifications, First Lieutenant Burer led several men to the ammunition while braving the aggressor barrage and helped carry it back to the friendly force. His exemplary courage, selfless concern for his comrades, and heroic determination were instrumental in saving friendly lives, and significantly contributed to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. First Lieutenant Burer’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.