The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) Ellwood Walter Burkhardt (ASN: 0-61418), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company D, 2d Engineer Combat Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 25 May 1951, near Chaun-ni, Korea. His unit, in convoy, was ambushed by enemy forces. Four infantrymen were seriously wounded due to the enemy fire and open terrain. Lieutenant Burkhardt reorganized his platoon for a base of fire and voluntarily crossed 200 yards in the open to obtain a tank. He led the tank to the four wounded soldiers and covered the crew with the tank’s .50 caliber machine gun while they drew the wounded up through the escape hatch. This courageous action saved the lives of the four men. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Burkhardt reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.