In October 1944 the 1st Battalion, Duke of Wellington's Regiment was ordered to attack 'Monte Ceco' (Monte Cece), near Palazzuolo sul Senio, north-east of Florence after two repulsed attacks by the 2nd Foresters and the 1st KSLI.
Captain Burns citation in the December supplement to the London Gazette read: For outstanding leadership and personal bravery in the face of strong enemy opposition during the attack and capture of Monte Cece on 8th and 9th October, 1944.