The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant John Robert Burns, Jr. (MCSN: 0-101776), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 18 January 1968, during Operation KENTUCKY, Second Lieutenant Burns’ platoon was assigned as a blocking force in support of an assault by another unit upon a well entrenched North Vietnamese Army force northeast of Con Thien. While moving into position, his unit suddenly came under intense hostile fire. Unhesitatingly, Second Lieutenant Burns led an aggressive attack on the enemy emplacements. Undaunted by the enemy fire impacting around him, he moved about the fire-swept terrain directing his men and personally killed five North Vietnamese soldiers. Overrunning the hostile positions, he quickly consolidated his defenses and, although still under fire, maneuvered from one position to another, encouraging his men. As an adjacent unit maneuvered toward its objective, the Marines came under intense hostile fire from a ridge in front of Second Lieutenant Burns’ position and were pinned down. Reacting instantly, he enveloped the enemy force and launched an assault which took the enemy soldiers by surprise, causing them to abandon their positions and flee in panic and confusion into the deadly fire of the other unit. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Second Lieutenant Burns upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.