AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander with Marine Observation Squadron Six, First Marine Aircraft Wing on 10 August 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During Operation Colorado, in the vicinity of Tam Ky in Quang Tin Province, Captain Burkman launched as Wingman in a two aircraft armed escort for medical evacuation helicopters and in support of ground units under intense enemy fire. Arriving at the scene, he quickly determined friendly positions and commenced deadly and accurate rocket and gunnery runs on enemy gun positions, which were sending tracers skyward to an altitude of 2,500 feet. During the first fifteen minutes, his aircraft took four hits, two through the cockpit, one slightly wounding his copilot. Nevertheless, he courageously continued his attack and finally suppressed enemy fire sufficiently to allow the medical evacuation helicopters to land and pick up the wounded Marines. After running out of ammunition, he returned to the staging area at Tam Ky and assessed his battle damage, rearmed and launced again to join the flight. By this time, the weather had deteriorated to a 1,500 foot ceiling, and heavy rain showers limited visibility in the battle area, making his support and escort mission extremely dangerous. Again, he skillfully delivered effective suppressive fire to permit the evacuation of the wounded. He returned a second time to the staging area to rearm and refuel and then determinally rejoined the flight. In all, he flew five and one half hours, unstrapping only once to check his helicopter for damage. As a result of his tenacity, the medical evacuation helicopters successfully completed their mission and, after dark, landed a company of reinforcements. Captain Burkman's deligence, loyal devotion to duty and exceptional aeronautical skill under the most hazardous of conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.