The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Raymond M. Burns (MCSN: 0-91609), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving Bombardier-Navigator with Marine All Weather Attack Squadron TWO HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMA(AW)-242), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 27 October 1967. Captain Burns served aboard the lead A-6 attack aircraft in a flight of two launched on a night-interdiction mission against a vital highway and railroad bridge in the midst of a heavily defended area in North Vietnam. When a malfunction of his primary flight and attack instruments occurred shortly after he had become airborne and his weapons system computer was found to be inoperable for the air strike, he displayed resolute determination in continuing the mission, indicating he could utilize alternate means of navigation and the manual ordnance release. Demonstrating exceptional ability and sound judgment, he skillfully navigated the aircraft through the darkness to arrive at the initial point of approach to the target area. Aware that his aircraft had come under radar surveillance, Captain Burns exhibited outstanding composure and courage as he monitored his instruments and narrated information to the pilot to direct a high-speed, low-level flight over the hazardous terrain in the face of increasingly intense hostile fire. Undaunted by the enemy’s formidable defense of the target area, he steadfastly manned his equipment and provided data that enabled the pilot to continue the low-level approach to break the enemy radar lock on his aircraft. At the last possible moment, he directed the pilot to climb to the release point over the target. Utilizing the manual release, he delivered four and one-half tons of ordnance with pinpoint accuracy on target. Warning the pilot of two missiles launched against the aircraft, he monitored his instruments and assisted in taking evasive action that avoided the missiles and enabled his pilot to expeditiously depart the area. By his superior professional skill, courage, and steadfast devotion to duty at great personal risk, Captain Burns upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.