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 (Infantry) Jay C. Burch (ASN: 0-1335231), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company E, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 27 November 1950, near Ipsok, Korea, Lieutenant Burch’s platoon was defending a strategic hill against powerful hostile assault. Despite constant exposure to intense automatic weapons, mortar and artillery fire, he calmly moved throughout the position, deployed his men to maximum advantage and directed their fire with deadly accuracy against the enemy. After every hostile thrust had been repulsed, he traversed a large open area subjected to continuous bombardment and effected a junction with adjacent friendly troops. Lieutenant Burch’s courageous leadership was an inspiration to his men and reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.