The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Master Sergeant Charles Eliott Burns (ASN: RA-42116226), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Master Sergeant Burns distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces at Chonji, Korea, on 10 July 1950. On this date, Master Sergeant Burns led a squad into enemy-held territory with the mission of laying a minefield across an important road to deny its use by the enemy. On completion of this mission Sergeant Burns advanced alone through intense enemy small arms fire and destroyed an enemy tank with grenades. In this engagement, Sergeant Burns was wounded. In spite of the wounds, he refused to be evacuated and remained alone at his post throughout the night. The extraordinary heroism displayed by Master Sergeant Burns on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.