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 Sergeant First Class Earl F. Burke (ASN: RA-13290409), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Burke distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 and 7 February 1968, while serving with Detachment A-101, Company C, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, during an attack on the Lang Vei camp. Enemy forces launched a coordinated late night tank and ground attack on the compound. Sergeant Burke braved devastating fire to help deliver a highly effective mortar barrage on the attackers. North Vietnamese tanks placed fierce fire on the manned outer defensive positions and overran the perimeter. Seeing that his mortar was ineffective because of its close proximity to the hostile armor, he secured several anti-tank weapons, closed to point blank range with the tanks, and destroyed one with ravaging fire before expending his ammunition. He then withdrew to a preplanned defensive position and continued his fierce fight. Sergeant First Class Burke’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.