The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Eugene B. Burleson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-76404), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, Third Marines, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. In the early morning hours of 11 October 1967, Captain Burleson’s company was attacked by a large North Vietnamese Army force. Throwing satchel charges and firing automatic weapons, the enemy soldiers penetrated the Marine lines, advanced to a small hill within the perimeter and directed intense machine gun fire into the enemy command post. The initial bursts of fire wounded Captain Burleson twice and killed his executive officer and one platoon commander. In addition, the 81-mm. Mortar Platoon and the adjacent company’s right flank came under enemy fire from the commanding terrain. Refusing medical aid, Captain Burleson quickly led his command group to a covered position and skillfully deployed his reaction force in an aggressive counterattack against the enemy, while simultaneously directing supporting arms fire on the advancing North Vietnamese. Only after the hostile force had been repelled and all Marine casualties had been evacuated did he relinquish his command to a relieving officer and allow himself to be evacuated. His calm professionalism and determined efforts were an inspiration to all who served with him and resulted in eight North Vietnamese soldiers confirmed killed and three captured. By his courage, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Captain Burleson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.