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 (Field Artillery) Paul J. Burke (ASN: 0-396184), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 53d Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in New Guinea, on 22 June 1944. During an attack on the enemy, Captain Burke, although wounded by rifle fire while acting as Liaison Officer with an infantry unit, continued to perform his normal duties and assisted in the evacuation of his unit. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Burke, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.