The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Edward Joseph Burke (NSN: 0-62696), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. PLUNKETT (DD-431), during Landing Operations at Anzio, Italy, on 24 January 1944. When his ship was subjected to the simultaneous heavy attacks of enemy bombers and torpedo planes, Captain Burke maneuvered his vessel with extreme skill and directed intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire on the hostile planes. Although the PLUNKETT suffered six near misses and a direct bomb hit during the sustained and vigorous engagement, he fought his ship so heroically that two of the enemy aircraft were destroyed and a third was observed retreating in smoke. Captain Burke’s courageous leadership and decisive action throughout reflect great credit upon himself, his command and the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Plunkett (DD-431)Action Date:
September 9 – 18, 1943
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”.)