The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Jerome E. Burkett (ASN: 35211354), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy during the period 24 September 1944 to 25 September 1944, in Germany. When it was necessary to send a patrol on a hazardous reconnaissance mission involving penetration of the outer defenses of the Siegfried Line to gain information of enemy activities and dispositions, Staff Sergeant Burkett volunteered to lead the patrol. Slightly short of the objective two burning buildings illuminated the area and the patrol was forced to withdraw. On the following day Staff Sergeant Burkett again volunteered to enter an enemy-held town and remained there throughout the day in an advanced observation post gaining much valuable information. The following night he again voluntarily led a second patrol though being forced to withdraw when subjected to a heavy concentration of enemy machine gun fire. The courage and aggressive determination exhibited by Staff Sergeant Burkett were an inspiring example to his fellow soldiers.