The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Donald D. Burchett (MCSN: 2139595), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Squad Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 July 1967, Company G was deployed in blocking positions along the Song O Giang River in Quang Tri Province. During the night, Corporal Burchett detected movement along the perimeter and observed three Viet Cong guerrillas attempting to infiltrate the company’s lines. Unhesitatingly, he directed his squad’s fire against the approaching enemy. Two of the guerrillas took cover in the bushes while the other continued to crawl through the barrage of small arms fire and grenades until he was dangerously close to the lines. After throwing a grenade and directing his squad to cease fire, Corporal Burchett boldly leaped from his fighting hole and killed the crawling Viet Cong with his bayonet. Immediately, he came under intense fire from the two guerrillas hidden in the bushes. Although seriously wounded in the leg and foot, Corporal Burchett returned to his position and continued to control and direct his squad throughout the night until the two remaining Viet Cong were killed. His daring actions and disregard for his own safety inspired all who observed him and prevented enemy penetration of his company’s position. By his resolute courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty, Corporal Burchett upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.