The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Hughie W. Burton (ASN: RA-16300598), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Service Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 18 May 1951, in the vicinity of Chaun-ni, Korea. The 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry, was forced to withdraw when attacked by a numerically superior enemy force. The road was blocked by a burning tank and by mines, forcing all vehicles to rush an enemy roadblock, cross two ridges and drive down a river bed. Private Burton was driving his truck, exposed to heavy enemy machine gun fire, when large numbers of enemy troops threatened to cut him off. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he stopped the truck and engaged the enemy with sustained heavy machine gun fire, enabling several soldiers who were riding in his vehicle to take cover and escape. Though wounded, Private Burton fired his machine gun until his ammunition was exhausted. He was captured by the enemy during this action but escaped after twelve days of captivity. The gallantry displayed by Private Burton reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.