The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Millard Edwin Burns (MCSN: 842142), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company I, Third Battalion, Twenty-seventh Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 28 February 1945. With his platoon pinned down by enemy automatic fire during an assault on a heavily fortified ridge protecting one of the approaches to enemy-held Hill 362, Private First Class Burns advanced under intense hostile fire to rescue a wounded Marine and carry him back to the comparative safety of his own lines. Later, when the battalion was withdrawing to a better position for the night, he again braved heavy mortar and sniper fire to help another wounded man, persevering until he fell, mortally wounded. By his daring initiative and heroic concern for the welfare of his fellow Marines, he saved the life of a man who otherwise might have perished, and his unwavering devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Private First Class Burns and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.