The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Johnny Richard Burchett (MCSN: 2226011), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Mortarman with Company H, Second Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Early on the afternoon on 29 January 1967, during a search and clear mission in the vicinity of Ha Nong Tay (2) in Quang Nam Province, the company’s third platoon was ambushed and temporarily pinned down in a rice paddy by heavy enemy fire from an undetermined number of Viet Cong. Prior to an assault by the Second Platoon, Private First Class Burchett’s mortar section delivered a barrage of mortar fire on the enemy positions, located in a tree line approximately eight hundred meters away. After completing the fire mission, Private First Class Burchett volunteered to join a provisional fire team and accompany the second platoon in an assault on the enemy. Armed with a rifle, he moved across the rice paddies and had advanced to within twenty-five meters of the enemy positions when he came under concentrated fire from Viet Cong hidden in a bunker. With complete disregard for his own safety, Private First Class Burchett aggressively attacked the bunker and forced two of the enemy to run from a rear exit where they were killed by other Marines. Continuing his assault, he moved closer to the bunker and, after firing a short burst of rifle fire into an opening, pulled a Viet Cong out of the bunker and knocked him to the ground with the butt of his rifle. Demonstrating exceptional courage and fierce fighting spirit, Private First Class Burchett continued his pursuit of the fleeing enemy. His daring actions and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and contributed to the successful accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his extraordinary courage, aggressive action, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Private First Class Burchett upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.