The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Captain Scott Burkhardt (MCSN: 0-13336), United States Marine Corps, for heroism while serving with a Base Depot in the Solomon Islands on the occasion of an explosion on the afternoon of 17 September 1944. When a fire threatened to detonate a demolitions dump and while isolated explosions made extremely dangerous any efforts to control the fire, Captain Burkhardt immediately and without hesitation exerted every effort at his disposal to extinguish the fire. At one time he mounted a pile of exploding mines to remove a burning tarpaulin. Despite the potential danger, he continued in his efforts until he was thrown into a nearby coral pit by the explosion which occurred and was rendered unconscious. His heroic conduct and utter disregard for his own personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.