The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Edward Joseph Burke (NSN: 0-62696), 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 U.S.S. PLUNKETT (DD-431) during the amphibious invasion of Italy in September 1943. From 9 September to 18 September 1943, Commander Burke directed the operations of the U.S.S. PLUNKET with extreme skill, courage, and aggressive leadership in conducting accurate and timely shore bombardment of enemy defense positions and in screening the transport areas against the enemy submarine menace and constant aerial attack. The effective accomplishment of these tasks contributed materially to the repulse of strong enemy counterattacks on the Salerno beachhead and the protection of assault shipping during unloading operations in support of the invasion forces. When the British Hospital Ship NEWFOUNDLAND was bombed by enemy aircraft on 13 September 1943, and set on fire, he fearlessly maneuvered his ship alongside the stricken ship, placed a fire and rescue party on board which promptly localized the spreading flames and removed the survivors to safety. The extraordinary ability, prompt and decisive action, and outstanding devotion to duty displayed by Commander Burke reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Burke is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)