The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal James Edwin Burghardt (MCSN: 2215780), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Messenger with Company I, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 30 March 1967, Lance Corporal Burghardt’s platoon came under intense enemy small arms fire while moving to reinforce the Company Command Group. In the initial burst of fire, his platoon commander was seriously wounded and fell in an area exposed to enemy fire. Disregarding his own safety, Lance Corporal Burghardt unhesitatingly advanced through the heavy rifle and automatic weapons fire to the side of his wounded platoon commander. Throwing himself on the wounded officer in an attempt to shield him from the heavy volume of enemy fire, Lance Corporal Burghardt immediately began administering first aid. As a result of his unselfish act, he was seriously wounded by small arms fire. His heroic actions despite grave personal danger undoubtedly saved the life of his platoon commander and was an inspiration to all who observed him. By his exceptional fortitude, inspiring courage and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Burghardt upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.