The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Chaplain’s Corps) Edmund Francis Burke (ASN: 0-530401), United States Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a Chaplain with the 322d Infantry Regiment, 81st Infantry Division, in action Angaur Island, Palau, on 24 September 1944. When the forward elements of his regiment were under enemy mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire, Chaplain Burke repeatedly accompanied litter-bearer teams forward. Completely disregarding his own personal safety, he administered spiritual aid to the wounded and dying and assisted in their evacuation. When in the medical aid station during times when it was under small-arms fire, Chaplain Burke was observed shielding wounded men with his own body. These actions of Chaplain Burke’s were an inspiration to all who observed them and were major factor in maintaining the excellent morale of the forward elements of his regiment