The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Gunnery Sergeant Burdett W. Loucks, Jr. (MCSN: 1347464), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant of with Company L, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States in the Republic of Vietnam. On 17 August 1968, Company L was occupying blocking positions in Quang Nam Province when Gunnery Sergeant Loucks alertly observed an enemy squad running from a nearby tree line into an open rice paddy a short distance from the Marines’ position. Realizing the enemy had discovered a route of egress, he unhesitatingly maneuvered across the hazardous terrain to block the hostile soldiers’ escape and began delivering a steady volume of accurate fire upon the fleeing enemy, killing two men and pinning down a third. Disregarding his own safety, Gunnery Sergeant Loucks fearlessly approached the armed enemy soldier, apprehended the individual, and seized his weapons. His daring initiative and heroic effort inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. By his courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty, Gunnery Sergeant Loucks upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.