The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Sergeant First Class [then Sergeant] Edward S. Burnitt (ASN: US-54004971), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States as a member of Company B, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, on 19 February 1952 in the vicinity of Kumhwa, Korea. On that date, Sergeant Burnitt, while standing guard near his bunker, noticed another bunker which was on fire. Upon arrival at the burning bunker, he discovered that two men were trapped within, and the intense heat of the blaze was causing grenades and small arms ammunition stored in the bunker to explode, making their escape impossible. With complete disregard for his own safety, and with the sole purpose in mind of rescuing the two men who were shouting incoherent cries of pain, he plunged into the flaming fire and exploding ammunition and with the assistance of two comrades, tore apart a section of the roof, enabling the trapped men to be freed from the raging inferno. The heroism displayed by Sergeant Burnitt reflects great credit upon himself and the military service.