The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Burrowes (NSN: 0-59381), United States Navy, for meritorious service as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. ABNER READ (DD-526), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assault and capture of Attu Island, Territory of Alaska, from 11 to 19 May 1943. When his ship, although newly commissioned and technically still undergoing shakedown training, was by necessity substituted shortly before the initial assault as a primary fire support vessel, Captain Burrowes ably directed his vessel in uncharted waters despite inexperienced personnel and unfavorable weather and, by his leadership and ability, contributed greatly to the support rendered by his ship in assisting in neutralizing at least two known enemy batteries which had pinned down the advance or our troops. His courage and devotion to duty throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Burrowes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Wisconsin (BB-64)Action Date:
November 28, 1951 – February 22, 1952
Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 603 (March 10, 1951)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Burrowes (NSN: 0-59381), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Battleship U.S.S. WISCONSIN (BB-64) and as Task Element Commander of several important gun strikes during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 28 November 1951 to 22 February 1952. Discharging his numerous responsibilities with vigor and keen judgment, Captain Burrowes skillfully directed the task elements under his command on repeated gun strikes against enemy forces and installations in the Bombline, Kojo and Wonsan areas on the East Coast of Korea. Successfully maneuvering his several task elements through mined and restricted waters, he expertly controlled and directed the gunfire of his ship against hostile fortified positions and thereby rendered invaluable assistance to friendly ground forces and seriously interfered with the delivery of enemy supply shipments to the front line areas. In addition, he planned and executed sea-air rescue missions which resulted in saving the lives of three friendly pilots downed in enemy territory. By his outstanding professional skill, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty throughout, Captain Burrowes contributed materially to the success of vital operations and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Burrowes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Commander]Division:
Destroyer Division 106Action Date:
December 10, 1943 – August 7, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Commander] Thomas Burrowes (NSN: 0-59381), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander Destroyer Division ONE HUNDRED SIX, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific Ocean Area, from 10 December 1943 to 7 August 1944. Courageous and resourceful in the fulfillment of an important assignment, Captain Burrowes efficiently directed his newly formed division during the Mariana Islands operation delivering effective fire support for amphibious landings. Subsequently operating with a fast Carrier Task Group, Captain Burrowes conducted a masterful defense against a savage Japanese aerial attack, accounting for fourteen enemy planes without damage to his own ships. (Captain Burrowes is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CaptainDivision:
Destroyer Division 106Action Date:
June 19 – 20, 1944
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas Burrowes (NSN: 0-59381), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander Destroyer Division ONE HUNDRED SIX, attached to Task Force FIFTY-EIGHT, during action against enemy Japanese forces in the First Battle of the Philippine Sea, on 19 – 20 June 1944. Leading his destroyer formation as part of the screen for the task group of fast battleships, Captain Burrowes fought his ships gallantly as overwhelming forces of Japanese bombers maneuvered in over the area and prepared to launch their devastating strikes. Skillfully deploying his units for maximum strength to meet the onrushing enemy, he hurled the full fighting power of his ships against the attackers and, by his brilliant leadership and bold tactics, contributed to the success of his four-ship escort in breaking up the aerial formations before they could penetrate to our major Fleet units. His courage and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of tremendous odds were contributing factors in the success of our sustained operations against the enemy in the Pacific war area, and his valiant conduct throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service.