The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Timothy Gordon Burchett, United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Burchett distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 29 June 1969, while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company B, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Kien Hoa Province. While following a path through a densely vegetated area, the squad was taken under savage attack by a concealed hostile force. Though the wounds which he received in the initial burst were shortly to prove fatal, Private Burchett valiantly stood his ground and returned devastatingly accurate fire, eliminating two Viet Cong and allowing his element to maneuver into a position from which they were able to scatter the enemy force. With complete self disregard, he advanced with the squad until succumbing to his wounds. Private First class Burchett’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.