The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) Albert P. Burckard, United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 March 1970. Captain Burckard distinguished himself while serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), during a combat assault at Fire Support Base RIPCORD, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Burckard landed at the abandoned fire base despite heavy mortar, grenade, small arms, and automatic weapons fire and immediately deployed a platoon to the right flank to suppress hostile fire. When the flank element received intense grenade and mortar fire, Captain Burckard deployed five machine gun teams and directed their fire against the insurgents. Despite intense hostile fire, Captain Burckard maneuvered to a downed re-supply helicopter and unloaded badly needed machine gun ammunition which he carried back to his men. His action enabled the platoon to temporarily repulse the enemy attack. When another platoon came under enemy mortar fire, Captain Burckard subjected himself to the hostile fire to direct aerial rocket artillery and tactical air strikes on the enemy force. His accurate direction of supporting fire repulsed the enemy attack. Captain Burckard’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.