The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Staff Sergeant Robert J. Burckardt (ASN: 20710647), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company A, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), in action at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 7 November 1942. When a member of his patrol was wounded by the fire of an enemy counter-patrol, Staff Sergeant Burckardt sent his men back for help and tenaciously protected his wounded friend in the face of intense enemy fire. With a strong fighting spirit, he stopped two attempted bayonet charges on his stricken comrade. His brave dead undoubtedly saved a soldier’s life. Staff Sergeant Burckardt was killed in a later action, on 21 November, when he unselfishly attempted to aid a wounded officer. Staff Sergeant Burckardt’s gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.